Kelly Butte — Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Took FSR 7030 from Hwy 410 to get to trailhead - bad idea for a small car. Road is in use by logging trucks, is uneven, full of potholes, and very steep. Would recommend taking the longer hike up Kelly Butte from FSR 54 via Stampede Pass. The hike itself is short, steep, and gorgeous. Wildflowers are everywhere, and climbing through the basalt cliffs is exhillerating! Unobstructed views from Mount Rainier to Glacier Peak and everything in between. Lookout tower is under repair and does not yet have a completed deck. If we come back, we'll try the longer route from FSR 54, as this one took us under 2 hours to ascend and an hour to descend, if that!