40th Anniversary Field Trip: Bonney Butte

IMPORTANT: The area surrounding the Bonney Butte HawkWatch is currently closed due to wildfire activity. In the event that we are unable to lead this field trip, guests will have the option to receive a full refund or convert their trip ticket into a 100% tax-deductible donation. We recommend all guests book refundable transportation and lodging options or purchase comprehensive travel insurance. 

Dates: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Departure: 8:00 am
Return: 6:00 pm
Price: $300 per person
Spaces Remaining: 8
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Overview
The Bonney Butte HawkWatch is known for its incredible views, as hawkwatchers take in the magic of migration as they gaze upon the grandeur of Mt. Hood. But let’s be real… it’s also known for a bit of a gnarly drive, too.

Let us take care of the hassle of heading up to Mt. Hood by joining HawkWatch International for a special 40th anniversary field trip to the Bonney Butte HawkWatch, just outside Portland, Oregon. In addition to expert hawkwatching instruction from our team, you’ll enjoy a boxed lunch from a local restaurant and round-trip transportation from a meetup point in Government Camp.

What to Expect

After meeting your fellow hawkwatchers at our meetup point, you’ll find a seat in one of our fleet of SUVs and make the ~60-minute drive to the Bonney Butte HawkWatch. From there, it’s a short hike up to the HawkWatch.

We’ll arrive just as the temperatures begin to rise and the day’s flight begins to pick up. You’ll have plenty of time to hawkwatch with our biologists and this year’s crew, learning more about how raptors use mountain ridges and updrafts to make their way south each fall. You also may have the opportunity to see a wild bird of prey up close if the banding blind is open that day.

We’ll stay until the count ends for the day around 5pm before making our way back down the mountain.

What’s Included

• Roundtrip transportation
• Boxed lunch on Saturday
• Expert hawkwatching instruction from the HawkWatch International team

What’s Not Included

• Gratuities for guides
• Meals other than lunch on Saturday
• Snacks
• Other personal items

Terms & Conditions

1. This trip is subject to HWI’s Field Trip and Tour Policies. Payment in full is due at the time of registration.
2. This tour is limited to 8 people to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience for everyone.
3. The minimum number of participants is 3. In the event the minimum is not reached, we will refund your ticket or issue a receipt for your tax-deductible donation, whichever you prefer.