McClellan Butte

This is a tough trail, climbing 3600 feet in 4.6 miles - and the first two miles aren't really serious about altitude gain. The second two miles climb steep and steady, averaging 25-35% grade and even getting to 40% in places. The good part is that the tread is mostly smooth and unencumbered by rocks and roots. There are many strong, well constructed switchbacks and there is even graveled tread on the lower parts of the trail.

There are 4 blowdowns which are easy to walk over or under but which could stand clearing. It's the drainages that need the most attention. Many are filled with twigs and detritus and will need clearing next spring. The snow above 3000 is just a dusting right now but with thaw and freeze, it makes some spots slippery. It took me 3.5 hours up and 2.75 hours down.

The view from the top at which most of us stop is either up or down the 1-90 corridor. If you are a spider with climbing gear and lots of technical experience, you might try the ascent up Perilous Rock, the pinnacle of McClellan Butte. My life insurance has an exclusion for climbing slippery loose rocks with 2,000 vertical cliffs on three sides.

For myself the most precious part of this hike is the very beginning early in the morning when the sunbeams stream through the tall black trees. It's magic.