Location and surroundings
Soap Butte is located in the United States, specifically in the state of California within Tehama County. The surrounding landscape consists of hills and terrain typical of this part of North America.
Neighbouring peaks
Soap Butte is surrounded by several nearby peaks and passes:
- Little Inskip Hill: peak, 720 m, 4.0 km E
- Inskip Hill: peak, 931 m, 5.9 km SE
- Jackass Butte: peak, 587 m, 7.5 km E
- Black Butte: peak, 790 m, 9.9 km N
- Tuscan Buttes: peak, 563 m, 14.0 km SW
- Finley Butte: peak, 859 m, 15.2 km SE
- Table Mountain: peak, 169 m, 18.0 km SW
- Bald Hill: peak, 177 m, 19.5 km SW
Standing at 560 metres, Soap Butte is lower than most of its immediate neighbours, with Little Inskip Hill serving as the nearest higher peak at 720 metres just 4.0 kilometres to the east.
The view from the summit
From the top of Soap Butte, several prominent summits are visible within a 25-kilometre radius. The highest peaks in this wider area include:
- Digger Butte: 1,212 m, 19.8 km E
- Chall Mountain: 1,028 m, 23.6 km NE
- Blue Mountain: 937 m, 23.4 km N
- Di Hill: 776 m, 20.5 km N
- Dewitt Peak: 622 m, 24.0 km S
- Potato Hill: 372 m, 19.9 km S
Climate and weather
Climate data for Soap Butte are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 to 2020, adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature reaches its warmest in July at about 28 °C and its coldest in January at about 5 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,000 mm a year, with December being the wettest month at about 200 mm and July the driest at about 5 mm.
Weather hazards in this region can include seasonal temperature shifts and heavy precipitation during the wetter winter months.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit of Soap Butte include January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Visitors should also consider the drier summer months when planning outdoor activities in the area.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Soap Butte features typical vegetation and wildlife suited to the climate and elevation of Tehama County in California. The landscape supports various regional plant species and local fauna adapted to seasonal temperature and precipitation patterns.
Guides and organised ascents
For climbing and trekking in the United States, visitors can look to established national organisations. The national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Established guiding companies operating in the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Regarding permit rules in the United States, some peaks require climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali where climbers must register at least 60 days ahead, and Mount Rainier for routes on glaciers or above the high camps.
Safety and preparation
Climbing and walking in the hills require proper preparation, appropriate clothing, and awareness of local weather conditions. In case of an emergency, the general emergency number for mountain rescue in the United States is 911, which connects dispatchers who alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or national park.
Interesting facts
Soap Butte reaches an elevation of 560 metres in Tehama County, California. Its nearest higher peak is Little Inskip Hill at 720 metres, located 4.0 kilometres away to the east.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Soap Butte? Soap Butte has an elevation of 560 metres.
Where is Soap Butte located? It is located in the United States, within the state of California and Tehama County.
Which peak is higher and closest to Soap Butte? The nearest higher peak is Little Inskip Hill at 720 metres, situated 4.0 kilometres to the east.
Is there water on the way to Soap Butte? 5 to 3 litres for a day depending on the heat and length of the trip.
What is the mobile phone coverage like at Soap Butte? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. However, 911 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should always be downloaded before setting out.