We got a midday start at the trailhead. Beautiful views on the way up and from the top, but The Mountain was covered in clouds. Bugs were not an issue and I haven't found any ticks. The wildflowers and butterflies were beautiful. We did see, thanks to another hiker we met at the top, Mountain Goats as we descended the trail!

This hike started with cloudy/fogged in conditions at the trail head. The trail was in good condition, and there was no snow anywhere along the trail. No ticks either. Bottom 1/3 easy, top 1/3 easy, middle 1/3... Not so easy. Those switchbacks had me breathing hard! I met NFS volunteers Cory and Lauren at the tower, and enjoyed their conversation while catching my breath. It was mostly cloudy up top as well. But, that just gives me good reason to go back again!

Had a wonderful day for our annual Stafford Family hike up Kelly Butte! Perfect temperature and gorgeous views as always! The fire lookout was manned by a volunteer for the 4th of July weekend - never have seen the lookout manned by anyone in all the years we have hiked up. The restoration project has obviously breathed new life and restored it to it's original use - even if sporadically! A wonderful hike for all ages, paces, and abilities!

Great first hike out for the summer with my son. Road is rough most of the way but no major potholes other than a couple just over the bridge. Arrived at 11 as the 1st car in the lot. Headed up the road to the trailhead, which is well marked. Was a little steeper than I remembered and there were some spots were the rocks were a bit loose but my son and his friend managed well. Poles were very helpful for the way down. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. The fire lookout at the top is open and the boys had fun writing our names in the log book. Enjoyed lunch and sunshine and visited with a couple other groups that made their way up as well. Took us about an hour to get up and half that to get down. Beautiful 360 views...definitely go on a clear day.

Decided to sneak in a "view hike" before the 4th of July crowds hit this weekend. Kelly Butte does not disappoint. The views start at the trailhead and continue all the way to the lookout. This is a fun trail (thanks to WTA). There are lots of geologic features, incredibly colored lichen on exposed rock and a bounty of wildflowers. In the fall, the huckleberries are plentiful and the vine maple is amazing. The lookout has been restored (complete with Osborne fire finder) and is open to the public. Great hike for families. Of note is a message at the trailhead for a cellphone recovered on 6/19/16.