Chelan Butte — Monday, Jun. 7, 2021

This was my 2nd attempt up the trail (well, 3rd, if you count the time I was relying on Google maps to find the trailhead and it took me most of the way up the ROAD to the top instead of the trailhead), but I finally made it. The other time it was rainy and miserable and hikers coming down were reporting snow at the top so we only went to Elephant’s Head.

Anyhow, it’s quite a grind, especially from Elephant’s Head up to the false summit and on from there up to the ridge, but not so bad once you are on the ridge. I was glad we had a cool day. Like the other reports say, you are exposed the whole way. Balsam root is done blooming (too bad), but still lots of lupine and other wildflowers. The view at the top (minus the towers and industrial feel) is pretty spectacular. Glad we did it!