Kelly Butte — Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Hiked up here on 8/13 with my 17 year old son to spend a couple night at the fire lookout as volunteers for the U.S. Forest Service. It was socked in with clouds and rained part of day 2, so the great horizon views were non-existent however there was lots of wildlife activity to see including mountain goats and marmots. The foliage was quite damp from the moisture in the air so we were both quite soaked once we got through the upper meadow. Lots of huckleberries to snack on as well as bear scat among the berries. All in all it was a great two days staying in the fire lookout. Hauling enough water up there, in two trips (ungh! LOL) was the most difficult part as there is nowhere to draw water from. Driving up to the trailhead was a snap even in a car.