Wildcat Mountain

The Buxton area, located west of Portland, was settled by Henry T. Buxton in 1884 and named in honor of his family, including his father, a pioneer from 1841. Today, this historic town remains visible from the summit of Wildcat Mountain in the Oregon Coast Range.

In late May, I returned to tackle the ten-mile out-and-back trek to the top of Wildcat Mountain. The trail is primarily composed of logging roads that culminate in a steep climb to the summit. While the road-gate at the trailhead is typically locked to vehicles, it remains open and accessible to hikers.

The hike offers a unique perspective on the rugged beauty of the Coastal Range. During my visit, active logging operations were underway in the vicinity, though they were tucked safely away from the main road. Near the summit, I was treated to a highlight of the trip: a close encounter with two blacktail deer, which are always a joy to spot in the wild.

Mt. St. Helens

While steadily climbing, I spotted various colorful wildflowers in bloom. At the summit, the sky was stormy. That was too bad, because on a sunny day there would be expansive vistas stretching all the way to the Willamette Valley and Mt. St. Helens.

Nonetheless, it was a great day out in the Coastal Mountains.