Kelly Butte — Friday, Jun. 6, 2014

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

The road to the trailhead is now snow free now. Wildflowers are blooming! We saw phlox, paintbrush, violets and many that I don't know the names of. The bear grass is plentiful and just starting to open. The lower third of the trail is steep and rocky. There are great views of Mount Rainier, lots of flowers and some neat rock formations. The middle section still has a lot of snow. There are tracks to follow, some post holing happened. There are tons of huckleberry bushes that should have tasty treats for late summer visitors. The trail on top is flat and snow free. The view is amazing! The door to the lookout was unlocked=) As soon as we stepped up to sign the guest book a tick was on my arm and one was on Tom's head. It seems as though they dropped from the ceiling even though I know that is not likely. I killed one of them right there on the book and left it so others will be aware. Tom found another one while on the deck but may have picked it up wandering down below the lookout. FYI, there is a pit toilet down there. I sprayed OFF, found in the lookout, on myself and didn't have anymore on me when we got back to the car but Tom had four more. Don't let the ticks keep you from this great trail! Be prepared though. WTA has good info here: http://www.wta.org/signpost/hiking-in-tick-country