This was my fist time up to the lookout. A great climb through the rocks, dusty as expected for this time of year. A good rain would clear up the smog over the White River and N.Bend districts. Still it there was a lot to see. Wildflowers, huckleberries, Lester, and some grouse. Thanks to Bob Alder, Forest Clark and other for the restoration work. Thanks to WTA crew for the great trail work.

Directions to the TH are accurate in the Hiking Guide. We parked at the TH sign. The road can be driven to the actual trail, but there is no turn around if you meet another vehicle. We did drive the road after our hike to check the mileage and our odometer said it was 0.7 mile. The new trail is steep but well done as always by WTA. Thank you! The only shade was the road walk. Views from the lookout were hazy but included Mt Rainier, Glacier Peak, Mt Baker, Mt Stuart, Mt Hinman, and Mt Daniel. We would like to have been on this trail when the beargrass was blooming. Morning lighting would be best for viewing Mt Rainier. We met one couple on our way up and 5 people on our way down. Fall colors are starting.

We parked at the trail head sign and walked the few tenths up the old road to the actual trail. Our car could have made it up but if the truck that was up there had come down one of us would have been doing some backing up as it is only wide enough for one vehicle. That bit is a nice shady warm up before the steepness begins anyway.
The rock cliffs are interesting and made for some fun pictures.
There are a lot of wildflowers but they are past their prime.
There are lots of ripe huckleberries with some of the bushes are starting to get fall colors.
The steepness does lessen about half way up. There is no shade.
We explored the area around the lookout then sat on the shady side of the deck for awhile just enjoying the beauty all around us. The views are great!
We practically had the place to ourselves just seeing one couple as we started and one
as we finished. Fun hike!

Finding ourselves a little short on time this week, we headed out to Kelly Butte for a quick hike to up to a restored fire lookout. We navigated our way through a maze of logging roads to find ourselves rapidly climbing through fields of wildflowers toward expansive views of Mt. Rainier and the Green River Valley.

The trail begins steeply, climbing past the rocks and crags of the butte. There are two approaches. The old route starts at the end of the logging road, where ropes have been strung to help you up the steep scramble. The new route is much tamer, and begins a hundred yards from the road’s end. Either way, the trails quickly connect and switchback through logged meadows dotted with sun-bleached stumps and snags. In the summer the meadows are bursting with wildflowers, bear grass, mountain blueberry, and if you’re lucky, you may even come across a mountain goat or two. The views begin almost immediately and grow steadily larger as the trail flattens and you begin the short traverse to the lookout and the view. On a clear day you can’t miss Mt. Rainier, Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker and Mt. Stuart.

For the full report, check out:

http://www.hikingwithmybrot[…]ire-lookout-trail-1031.html

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