Kelly Butte — Monday, Jul. 18, 2005

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Kelly Butte Update Last year my friend Martha researched this hike and we lead a pair of friends to Kelly Butte in July. The chute was a challenge, the beargrass was amazingly prolific, and the lookout building was badly in need of some TLC. We heard repeated rumors over the winter that the building was being renovated, so we put the hike on our July 2005 schedule to check it out. The first challenge was that the driving directions that worked well for us last year were very confusing this year. This is what did work: About two miles past Greenwater, turn left from Highway 410 onto paved Forest Road 70. All mileage readings are from this junction. At 8 miles, turn left onto a road signed 7030 and an arrow. There is about 10 feet of pavement, then gravel. This section of 7030 has some washboard driving surface. At 8.3 miles cross a bridge and pass some campsites. At 11.9 miles, come to a T and turn left, staying on unsigned 7030. (A right turn will take you toward Colhoquon and Pyramid Peak and PCT trailheads.) The rest of 7030 has a couple of steep sections and falling rock areas. At 12.4 miles go straight, not right and uphill. At 13.1 miles turn right. At this time there is a sign that indicates that the road to the right is 7030; the road straight ahead is signed 7032. Pass side roads at 13.6 and 14.1 miles. The rough road to the Kelly Butte “trailhead” is on your left at 14.4 miles from Highway 410. We parked at this junction, giving us a chance to stretch our legs before ascending the chute. We walked the .6 mile rutted road before clambering up the 100 foot chute with the help of a vinyl rope with looped knots that this year runs all the way down the chute. The chute is followed by a half mile of switch backs, followed by a half mile of gently rising meadow, leading to a small, classic forest fire lookout building surrounded by great views in all directions. There are a few beargrass in the meadow currently, but nothing like last year's display. There are, however, lots of lupine, paintbrush and arnica. And sad, to say, the lookout building has not been renovated. A paintbrush and a can of (maybe) sealant were spotted in the cabin, but no progress. Perhaps WTA could investigate the rumor, and publish the real story in a Fall issue. The nine South Sound women hikers in our party (aged fifty-something to seventy-nine) enjoyed both the challenge and the views of our visit to Kelly Butte. If the Lookout were renovated, we would probably make an effort to come again. LeslieinOly