Skip to main content

Divide Butte, OR | May 2026

Submitted by WJ7V on
APRS Coverage
Don't know
Cellular Provider
AT&T
Voice Cellular Coverage
Good, very usable
Data Cellular Coverage
Good, very usable

Divide Butte is a 2 point drive-up summit located in the Mouth Hood National Forest. It takes about 2 hours from Portland but can be combined with South Fork Mountain (W7O/WV-030). It is South of Estacada and SE of Molalla. The summit (and nearly entire area) is a burn scar. Expect downed trees early season or after a storm and bring a saw or chainsaw.

Google maps gives good directions to the area. Start by setting your destination to 45.2307, -122.3258 or use S. Hillockburn Road as your destination. Proceed 4.9 miles on S. Hillockburn, which turns into Forest Road (FR) 45 at a gate. Continue another 7.9 miles on FR 45. FR 45 is mostly paved but turns to gravel after 5-6 miles. Continue 3-4 miles. Turn right onto 4540, which is paved and proceed uphill. In 1.7 miles, at the serene Helen Lake, pause here to reflect on the natural beauty and then take a sharp left, continuing uphill another 1.9 miles. From here, bearing left take you to the summit of South Fork Mountain in 0.8 miles. For Divide Butte, continue for 6.5 miles. This road is Subaru-able. A sharp right turn takes you up to the parking area, which is in the AZ.

I have added a track from the bottom of 4540 to the summit.