Scaffold Peak as
viewed from Buttermilk Butte (the cache site).
Buttermilk Butte, Elevation 5471 feet, was once the site of a
fire lookout and gives you an incredible viewpoint of nearby
mountain peaks that are over 8000' elevation. North Gardner
Mountain, the tallest peak in this range of the Cascade Mountains
at elevation 8974', can be seen looking to the Northwest. To the
East is a sweeping view of the Methow valley, and Blackpine Lake
below.
An L-4 cab was built here in 1934 and removed in 1951. The road
to Buttermilk Butte is now a popular drive due to the incredible
panoramic view at the top. On a clear day you have direct line of
sight to the following peaks and lake:
| Summit Name |
Direction |
Distance |
Elevation |
| Lookout Mountain |
West |
5.5 miles |
5515’ |
| Scaffold Peak |
West |
4 miles |
7497’ |
| Hoodoo Peak |
SouthWest |
3.5 miles |
8464’ |
| Oval Peak |
West |
5 miles |
8795’ |
| Gardner Mountain |
NorthWest |
17 miles |
8956’ |
| Blackpine Lake |
East |
1.5 miles |
4010’ |
Enjoy the drive. The roads to the top are excellent. We drove up
on Road #43 starting from the town of Carlton (off Hiway 97). The
distance from Carlton is 17 miles. The dirt road is excellent and
can be driven in a car. We returned via a different route and ended
up in the town of Twisp by connecting with County Road 9114 which
is paved.
The cache container is an ammo box.
In Memoriam: This cache was placed in honor of Mrs.
Navigatorz mom (Jane Vaughn) who passed away on October 14, 2007.
She loved the outdoors and loved going geocaching with us whenever
she could. She had her own geocaching username: Granny1918.
Although she only logged onto her account a few times, she went
with us on many geocaching trips over the past few years. She
especially loved going to the lookouts and would bring her
binoculars to view the sights. This year we had the pleasure of her
company at Sweetgrass Butte, Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island, and
Roaring Ridge. We know she would have loved seeing the fall colors
today and viewing the craggy peaks of the North Cascades. We miss
her greatly and treasure the memories. (Jane Vaughn: January 24,
1918 - October 14, 2007).
Granny1918 on Orcas Island at Mt. Constitution Lookout in July
2007.