steep the first mile, then mostly flat.

Elephant Head only - Decided to take an after dinner hike to take advantage of the long summer day.  I usually do the Chelan Gorge trails combined with the county road over to look straight down into the gorge and down to Chelan Falls, but opted to mix it up a bit with a decidedly uphill hike to Elephant Head.  And it is, whew!  The first mile or so is pretty steep and will inspire you to not to skip cardio day in the future.  Second mile is still uphill but much more gentle, and there's a handy dandy bench at the top from which you can enjoy both Lake Chelan and see down to the Columbia in the other direction.  

As a person with questionable cardio fitness and a propensity to take my time and take a fair number of pictures, it took me slightly over an hour to get to the Elephant Head viewpoint, 50 minutes on the way down.  Total 4 miles, 1175 ft elevation. No poles needed. The views are gorgeous, the wildflowers are mostly dead at this point, and I was able, sadly, to watch the parade of planes flying back up north with their bellies full of lake water to put out yet another wildfire (in this case I think the Apple Acres fire).  Air quality is still great in Chelan, we'll see how the summer progresses.

The temp today in Chelan was 90 degrees - this hike was very pleasant (started at 7:20pm), so if you're not planning to do the whole Butte trail, this is a good option to get it done and not sweat to death and get some good sunset views.  I had the trail entirely to myself, and only 2 other cars in the parking lot.  

This was a challenging and fun day hike. The trail head was easy to find and had plenty of parking. There was a porta potty in decent condition but no toilet paper (I had brought my own). The Chelan Butte trail is not clearly marked at the trailhead (imo), but you just go where you'd think you should (directly across the street on a visible jeep trail). A little ways up there is a sign (1/3) noting hiking trails for Elephant Head and Chelan Butte. Continue on and don't be like me and pass the (clearly marked LOL) second sign (2/3) that states "hiking trail." It's small and to the left side of the trail. A short way later you'll come to another sign (3/3) that has a peace sign and notes both trails. If you want extra mileage and/or a separate less challenging day hike, you can also continue along the jeep trail that continues to following along the lower section of the Butte.

As noted in other reports/WTA's description, the trek to Elephant Head is pretty steep in places and well worth the trouble. There are several benches and some spots of shade depending on the time of day you go (I went at about 8am). After stopping at Elephant Head - an enjoyable day hike in and of itself -  the trail continuing to the Butte is visibly steeper (like, way steeper). There really aren't switch backs and this was a very challenging part of the hike. With that said, there are beautiful views of the lake and pleasant wildflowers and wildlife to enjoy throughout (I saw rabbits, beetles, butterflies, lots of wildflowers especially at higher elevation). Just be prepared to take it one step at a time and rest while needed on the ascent.

My recommendations: Bring hiking poles!! They made both the ascent and descent way more enjoyable. Bring extra water and food (the hike is VERY exposed and I needed the extra hydration and calories). Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, SPF, and a hat if you can to help shield from the wind and sun. Enjoy!

Mostly hard sand, with a few rocky sections in the sand

The wildflowers (arrowhead balsam root and lupine are the primary flowers in bloom right now) feels like it’s at its peak on Chelan Butte right now! Some spots on the trail are so fragrant it’s sort of like being in a room with a lit candle 😮 

The trail itself is in great condition. There are some segments which would benefit from switchbacks (too steep). But overall a wonderful trip. I started in downtown Chelan from the hotel I was staying at for a few days, walking the river trail, past the high school and up to the actual trail head.