I lost my camera lens cap today! If anyone happens to find it please leave a comment.
As for the hike, the road up to "trailhead" was pretty rough as we were not in a high clearance vehicle but the worst part was really the very beginning which is marked by a sign that says "SLOW." Very deep potholes at the start, the rest is passable in most vehicles. Google maps took us to the correct place to start the hike and the directions on the WTA page were also helpful. Google maps will take you just over 14 miles from the highway and take you to a small area with a big sign that says "Welcome." The sign does not indicate that it will lead to Kelly Butte but that's technically where the trail begins.
Begin the hike on this road that leads to the Kelly Butte TH, it will add about 0.7 miles each way. It's not very steep and we reached the TH in around 10 minutes. You'll see that the TH is marked by two cairns and the trail begins as an upward slope to your right. Again, no signs that it is the Kelly Butte TH. There are great views going up the trail and the elevation gain feels very comfortable while still getting the heart pumping. The trail is dusty and dry but not slippery with proper footwear. The latter half of the trail is lined with more huckleberries than I could pick and are the sweetest I've had all summer!
Took us about an hour to reach the lookout and the view was great, definitely a hike that is best on a clear day. Bugs were not an issue at all. The lookout was not open at this time.
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