Butler Peak 9-23-2014

Looking towards Gray's Peak and Big Bear Lake from the Butler Peak Fire Lookout

     Butler Peak is the third highest peak in the Big Bear Lake area and is home to a fire lookout. This 14' x 14' room perched on the top of the peak is staffed by volunteers between approximately Memorial Day and the end of October each year and is used for reporting smoke sightings and lightning crashes in the ongoing fight against forest fires. These volunteers welcome any visitors to the lookout and are happy to talk about the work they do and show you the over 80 year old piece of equipment they use to their job. This particular lookout was built in 1931 and is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. The hike to Butler Peak is between 10 and 11 miles, depending on where you park. From where I parked, and based on the path I took, the hike was 11.59 miles with 2,042 feet of elevation gain. My route may not have been the most optimal for several reasons so I will give a few alternatives at the end of this post.

The Hike

At the junction of Rim of the World and 2N68 go this way.

   I started my hike from a small turnout on Rim of the World Dr. in Fawnskin. After turning left from Highway 38, I continued up Rim of the World (which quickly becomes a dirt road) for approximately .8 miles until I spotted a turnout on the downhill side of the road. This turnout happened to be just before a "Rough Road" sign so I was fine with parking here. I headed up Rim of the World Rd. for about 1/2 a mile until I reached Forest Route 2N68 on the left. Check out the picture to see what the proper road to follow looks like. In less than a quarter mile, I reached Forest Route 2N80 and decided to take this road off to my right. In hindsight this may not have been the best road to take. 2N80 is a maintained road for a little while, then becomes riddled with fallen tress from when this entire area was burned in 2007 by the Butler 2 Fire.

Gold Mountain near Big Bear Lake 9-13-2014

Looking towards Big Bear Lake from near the summit of Gold Mountain

     Gold Mountain is a prominent peak just northeast of Big Bear Lake. The trail to the top starts on the Pacific Crest Trail, a trail that runs from Mexico to Canada, then follows a forest road to the summit. This road is a popular route for off-roading Jeeps, especially on the weekends. While driving to the trailhead I passed several groups of Jeeps preparing to head out on the trails for the day. The summit provides spectacular views of Big Bear Valley and some of the other peaks surrounding the lake.

The Hike

     I arrived at the trailhead on Holcomb Valley Road and was surprised to see quite a few cars parked in the area. The trailhead is just before the entrance to the landfill located at the top of Holcomb Valley Road. Look for the white signs marking where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses the road.

The Trailhead

 Park off the road and head west on the trail. The first part of the hike was very pleasant with large areas of yellow flowers, cactus, and pine trees. I have hiked a few sections of the PCT in the Big Bear area and have enjoyed every step of it. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. As the trail slowly rises, views of Baldwin Dry Lake come into view. I was surprised to not see any other hikers on the trail considering the number of cars that were parked near the start. In 1.2 miles, the trail begins to gain elevation through a series of very long switchbacks. These switchbacks were didn't feel like the switchbacks I was accustomed to on other trails due to their length. About halfway through the switchbacks the trail crosses a very rocky section.

Timber Mountain Peak via Icehouse Canyon 8-27-2014

Looking down Icehouse Canyon from just above Icehouse saddle

     Icehouse Canyon is a very popular hike in the Angeles National Forest, not far from Mt. Baldy. Apparently this hike is very busy on weekends during the summer, although the crowds thin out the farther up you go. On this particular Wednesday morning we encountered only a dozen or so people the entire time. The hike to Icehouse saddle is about 3.5 miles each way. From the saddle it is another .9 miles to reach the summit of Timber Mountain, just north of the saddle. This hike is pretty strenuous as you constantly gain elevation over the course of the hike. Our total elevation gain for the hike was 3,303 feet, making this by far the most elevation gain I've done to date.

History

     Back in 1858 someone began cutting ice in this area to sell down the hill in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, hence the name. The first mining claim for the area was made in 1892. In 1921, a man named Clarence Chapman built the Icehouse Canyon Lodge, the remnants of which can still be seen next to the trailhead parking lot. This lodge was a popular getaway for celebrities for 50 years. It burned down in 1988 according to this LA Times article. At the time, rumors circulated that the owner was seen with a gas can near the property just before the fire.

The Hike

   

An early section of the trail

     My friend, Jeremy, and I reached the trailhead just before 9:15 am on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 after stopping at the visitor center in Mt. Baldy to obtain the required wilderness permit (available for free) needed for this hike since it enters the Cucamonga Wilderness Area. An Adventure Pass is also required to park at the trailhead. At the center, we were informed that wilderness permits were now available from a box right at the trailhead. After filling out the required information on the pass Jeremy and I were on our way. The first 1.5 miles or so follows a stream through the bottom of the canyon providing a nice soundtrack to the hike. The trail is also very well shaded at this point. This lower section of the hike is dotted with cabins still in use and the remains of cabins from days past.