Big Butte Challenge

Big Butte Challenge

The Big Butte Challenge is a self paced summer hiking and running series in Central Oregon that runs from May 22 to October 1, 2026. The main challenge includes nine butte summits totaling 35.2 miles and a complimentary pint at each sponsored brewery. A Micro Butte Challenge offers a single butte and one pint.

Participants complete each butte on their own schedule using provided maps. Course routes are set one way from trailhead to summit and only the uphill effort is required for completion. After each summit, participants submit a summit form to track progress and may redeem a free drink at the sponsoring brewery using a physical beer token included with registration.

Registration opens Spring 2026. Early and regular pricing tiers are published and registration options include custom merchandise, sponsor perks, and one beer token per sponsored brewery. Packet pickup begins May 22 at The Haven Coworking front desk in Bend, Oregon during regular business hours.

One butte, Bessie Butte, is excluded from this edition due to forest service wildfire management restrictions. The event also features social photo contests with categories such as pets, family summit photos, and post climb brewery moments.

The nine buttes and their one way distances with sponsors: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Barnes Butte - 1.36 Miles - Wild Ride Brewing
• Black Butte - 1.90 Miles - Van Henion Brewing
• Smith Rock - 3.32 Miles - Kobold Brewing
• Overturf Butte - 2.79 Miles - GoodLife Brewing
• Paulina Peak - 3.06 Miles - Bend Brewing Company
• Pilot Butte - 1.03 Miles - Worthy Brewing
• Tumalo Mountain - 4.04 Miles - Cascade Lakes Brewing
• Vista Butte - 2.15 Miles - Immersion Brewing
• Tam-a-lau - 3.3 Miles - Initiative Brewing