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West Twin Butte is a boring peak except for one redeeming quality, their was a former lookout on the summit. Unfortunately, the trees are just about grown high enough to block all views.

Distance: 1/2 mile
Summit Elevations: 4,716 feet
Elevation Gain: 450 feet
Access: Good Gravel to last 1/2 mile, then 4WD

From the Gorge in Carson, go north on Wind River Road for 16 miles. Turn right onto Lone Butte Road for around 10 miles passing Tillicum Campground and Mosquito Lake. Turn left on gravel road (east to follow if you have map) and follow for just over 2 miles to a huge quarry and the trailhead. From the north, it's much more complicated, take FR 23 south out of Randle to FR 90. Take FR 88 up and over to Big Tire Junction, turn right on FR 885 (Lone Butte Road), follow to the gravel turn-off (you'll need a Gazetteer). You can also come in from the west through the south side of Mt. St. Helens.

Route:

South Cascades

Access:

If you have high clearance 4WD, West Twin Butte can be a fun challenge to get up avoiding a fall into the road ruts. Most will want to walk the last section of road. I would guess the Forest Service occasionally grades the road so you might get lucky. Up to point 4260 marked on USGS maps, the road was well maintained and any car could get there. That just leaves about a half mile of walking. The road ends just below the highpoint. You still must do some bushwhacking to reach the summit. There is a nice trail, the brush is the problem, it has overgrown the trail although the trail tread is still there. At the end of the road, look for the trail to the right with in the main turn around area.

View south to Lemei Rock and Sawtooth Mountain

The lookout foundation

West Twin Butte from Steamboat Mountain

Good Road

4WD

Paved

Paved

Paved

To Steamboat Mtn.

To Carson

To Trout Lake

Former Lookouts

1931 Map

1939 Recreation Map

Current Map

West Twin Butte in 1950

Twin Butte Lookout 1924

Lookout History:

In 1912, the lookout is labeled on the 1912 Columbia National Forest map.
In 1923, a D-6 cupola lookout was built after the forested summit was cleared.
In 1935, a 12-foot high wooden L-4 cab was built.
In 1963, the tower and cab were burned.
On the western ridge, about 150 feet below the summit is a lot of debris from the garage.

Looking Southwest 8-12-1935

1940 Columbia National Forest

1925 Columbia National Forest

West Twin Butte August 11, 1956 Taken by Frank Flack

Looking North 8-12-1935

Looking Southeast 8-12-1935

1950 looking NW toward Mt. Rainier

Mosquito Lake and Goat Rocks view in 1950