I Like Big Buttes and I Cannot Lie! (Even if They're a Little Tiny)

Okay, okay, I love mountains as much as the next outdoorsy chick, but BUTTES? They're like mountains' quirky little cousins – less intimidating, maybe, but still packed with personality. And guess what? We're on a quest to conquer eight of these pint-sized peaks in central Oregon! Why? Because the Big Butte Challenge comes with a MAGICAL bonus: a celebratory drink at a local brewery for each butte conquered. If that doesn't scream "Ty and Michelle Adventure Time," I don't know what does!

Parking lot views: Where the adventure begins (and the flip-flops come off)

We signed up for this madness faster than you can say "hops and hazys," and today marked the start of our quest. First up: Pilot Butte, the extinct volcano right here in Bend.

Pilot Butte: The Butte That Barely Broke a Sweat

Now, I'll be honest: Pilot Butte isn't exactly Mount Everest. It's a mere two-mile roundtrip, and I've run it countless times (on days that aren't, you know, hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk). So, today's "hike" was more like a warmup for the Big Butte Challenge, a chance to break in our new challenge bandanas (super cool, by the way) and work up a good thirst.

How many shades of dust can you spot on this Pilot Butte trail?

The parking lot was eerily empty – apparently, 100-degree weather isn't everyone's idea of fun. We shared the trail with just one other brave soul, proving that there's at least some level of crazy we haven't reached yet.

The heat had cast a hazy spell over the landscape, turning the usually vibrant blue sky into a washed-out pastel. The trail was dry and dusty, a testament to Bend's recent lack of rain and my uncanny ability to attract dirt like a human Swiffer pad. I swear you could actually feel the trees and shrubs begging for a break from the heat. 

Proof that even trees in Bend have better views than most people

As we huffed and puffed our way up (ever notice how little conversation happens on the way up?), the panoramic view of Bend and the distant mountains became our reward.

We could see everything: endless trees, traffic-clogged streets (making me grateful for my decision to hike instead of drive), office buildings (where people were hopefully enjoying air conditioning), and even more buttes! Some folks had apparently opted for the "scenic drive" route to the top (lazy? genius? we'll never know), but we proudly earned our sweat stains.

When the butte is small, but the grins are big.

The summit offered a 360-degree feast for the eyes. Buttes, mountains, and forests stretched to the north and west, while high desert plains shimmered to the south and east. It was like looking at a patchwork quilt of different landscapes.

Nerd alert! I always stop to read these signs. Fascinating stuff about our local volcanoes.

After a quick history lesson (thanks to the informative signs at the top!), we strolled back down, chatting all the way (because let's face it, the downhill is ALWAYS the best part) and swapped hiking boots for flip-flops.

The Reward

Our reward? A short drive to Worthy Brewing, whose "Earth First, Beer Second" slogan perfectly aligns with their eco-conscious practices. We happily plopped our "Pilot Butte tokens" on the bar, still sheepishly wondering if our little hike was worthy of a free brew. But our bartender, bless his soul, said, "I'm with you guys. I'd climb a butte for a free beer any day!"

At Worthy Brewing, it's not just about great beer, it's about a healthier planet. Love their 'Earth First, Beer Second' ethos. 🌎🍻

For a split second, we considered a light, easy-drinking beer to combat the lingering heat, but the siren song of Worthy's Stratus Hazy IPA, with its juicy aroma and velvety smooth finish, was too tempting to resist.

As we raised our glasses, we toasted to our first butte conquered. One down, seven to go! We brainstormed ways to make the next adventure even more ridiculous, plotting our next move on this epic quest for peak-bagging glory (and delicious beer).

Cheers!

Hike more, worry less. And always reward yourself with a cold one

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