North Dakota: White Butte

3,506 ft (1,069 m)

White Butte, at 3,506 feet (1,069 meters), is the highest point in North Dakota, rising quietly from the plains near the small town of Amidon. Located on private land owned by the Dennis family, it’s one of the more accessible highpoints in the West—no permits required, just a donation box at the trailhead and a short walk to the top.

The route is less than a mile one way with about 300 feet of elevation gain, following a faint path through grassy terrain and low scrub. At the summit, a small cairn and an ammo box containing the summit register mark the top. There’s little shade, no dramatic drop-offs, and on dry days, not even much mud—but in late summer, nearby sunflower fields can add a splash of color to the wide-open prairie views. It may be modest, but White Butte is remote, peaceful, and still a satisfying checkmark for those chasing all 50 highpoints.

More to come…