Another Butte, Another Adventure... and a Gentle Reminder

Where Small Town Charm Meets Unexpected Adventure

Taking a quick breather to admire the view... and maybe regain some feeling in our legs!

Prineville, Oregon – ever heard of it? Neither had we, until the siren song of another butte beckoned. This tiny town, a time capsule of old-school charm (think classic burger joints and steepled churches), turned out to be our unexpected launchpad to Barnes Butte.

Driving through the main street felt like stepping back in time, with tractors rumbling past, actual saloons, and the aroma of burgers wafting from local diners.

The Gentle Deception of Barnes Butte's Trail

Picture this: dry, dusty high desert terrain, a trail weaving through beautiful trees, long grasses, and sagebrush. A gentle climb, almost too gentle... we began to wonder if the butte was going to let us off easy. But no, friends, the saddle between South Butte and Barnes Butte served up a sign pointing us upwards. And upwards we went.

Following the trail, with a barbed wire fence reminding us we're sharing this space with the local ranchers.

Ty, channeling his inner mountain goat.

Sweat, Scrambling, and Summit Views

Sweat-drenched hats, scrambling over rocks, grunts and groans... all worth it for the 360-degree view at the top. Farmlands, crop fields, lakes, mountains – a visual feast, even through the smoke haze. We plopped onto a LOCKED heavy metal bench (seriously, who's stealing that?), soaking in the breeze and the diverse landscape.

Reaching the summit was worth every ounce of sweat – just look at that incredible view!

From Slip-n-Slide to the Reward

Downhill was more slip-n-slide than hike, but hey, we stayed on our feet! A quick detour to South Butte for another fabulous view, then a near-sprint back to the car. Reward time! Wild Ride Brewing, a local gem we'd never known existed, welcomed us with open arms (and taps). We proudly slapped down our Big Butte Challenge tokens, learning that even the bartender had discovered this hike thanks to the the tokens. A shared sense of adventure!

Ty, always the gentleman, patiently waits and lends a helping hand as I navigate a tricky spot.

More Than a Beer: A Toast to Mental Health

Ty's choice, Kiefer Magic IPA, held a poignant story about mental health support. My Hippy Hazy was delicious, but I found myself wishing it, too, could support such a worthy cause. This got us thinking about the importance of mental health awareness and supporting those who may be struggling.

Sometimes, the best adventures end with a quiet moment of reflection and a good beer

Finding Gems, Both on the Trail and Within

This day brought us a new town, a conquered butte, a fantastic brewery... and a gentle nudge. Sometimes, the adventures we share lead us to unexpected places, reminding us to cherish our loved ones and be there for them. After all, life's journey is better with good company, both on the trails and in the valleys.

So, here's to checking in on our friends and family, offering a listening ear, and letting them know they are not alone. Because, just like finding that hidden gem of a butte, sometimes the most meaningful discoveries are closer than we think.

Taking a moment to soak in the breathtaking views from the top of Barnes Butte with my favorite adventure buddy.

Michelle Eidam is a freelance writer with a thirst for adventure – exploring mountains, trails, breweries, and everything in between.