Mineral Butte

Sunday April 23rd - beautiful weather for a hike to Mineral Butte. Access is described in 55 Hikes Around Stevens Pass.

The total elevation gain is 3700 ft. I started at 1500 ft, the top is 5200 or so. Round trip was 11.5 miles. I spent 3.5 hours going up (due to the snow conditions) and 2 hours down.

I parked at the first switch back - approx. 1500 ft. It is possible with a SUV or sport ""cute"" to drive another 1 to 1.5 miles, but what's the point?

Snow began at 2200 ft and became continuous at 2500 ft.

More than half of this trip is on old logging roads. Some of which are accessible to ORVs. Judging by the tracks, a jeep - type vehicle had been up to 2500 ft or so the day before. I ran into two dirt bikes on my way out - they had just reached the snow, but seemed to think they were going higher. Another downside to some of the logging roads - they are overgrown with alder which tends to snap back in your face. I didn't think to bring my clippers.

Above 3500 ft or so you are walking cross country through woods and small glades. I've never been on this hike when there wasn't snow on the upper slopes, so I don't know if there is a trail.

There are fabulous views of Spire, Iron, Scott, Hubbard, Merchant, Gunn, the Monte Cristo picks, and too many more to name. I could see the Olympics and Rainier through a haze.

The last 1/4 mile was tough. The snow had a crust, which I broke through (with snow shoes) to my thighs. Going straight up the hill was very difficult in this situation. The crust softened up while I was on top, making the way down more consistent. The slope near the top is 25 to 30 percent. With the warming, there would seem to be the potential for wet snow slides. Be sure to assess the conditions before proceeding.

I passed one group going up (it didn't look like they were planning to go to the top) and and another group on my way out that appeared to be just out to play in the snow.

This would be a great trail if the upper stretches were closed to the ORVs.



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