Kelly Butte — Friday, Mar. 6, 2015

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

There are big sections of snow and ice on the road from the T at 11.9 miles from hwy 410. Our old, low clearance, Subaru wagon was dragging bottom through it. Had it been frozen hard we might have turned around. Four wheel drive and some clearance recommended. There are also some washed out trenches that also require some caution to get through. The road walk from the parking area to the actual trail is mostly snow but easy walking. The lower, most steep and rugged, part of the trail is snow free. The last .75 or so is mostly snow. There is a good boot path which limited post holing. I, being over cautious, wore micro-spikes but hubby was fine without them. The deepest snow is about a foot and a half. Up at the top there are just a few inches. We sat on the deck of the lookout for about an hour enjoying the view and soaking in the sunshine. It was wonderful! We were the only people there all day. WARNING- There are TICKS here! I found two on me and my hubby found one. Last June we got them here too.