403

Kelly Butte — Sep. 1, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
2 photos
  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Ripe berries
 
As long as you follow the directions given to reach the trailhead, you'll have no problem finding it. The first 1/2 mile is via an easy wide forest trail. Then once you get to the clearing the hard part of the climb begins. There are a couple dozen switchbacks that are pretty steep and will really give you a workout. This trail is NOT for kids under the age of 12 (in my opinion). The views are spectacular all the way up and awesome at the top as well. There were huckleberries everywhere once we reached the meadow at the top. There was a forest ranger at the lookout and a log book to sign. There is also a "scenic lew" at the top but unless you get direction from the ranger, you might have to search around for it a bit. Sooo glad we took this hike. It's well worth the effort.

Kelly Butte — Aug. 6, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
4 photos
Mare
WTA Member
200
  • Wildflowers blooming
 
It took 2 tries to successfully make it to the trail head. Definitely follow the WTA odometer readings beginning from Hwy. 410. The first try we were only a 1/4 mile away, but because of low clouds we couldn't find it. Two days later on a clear day, we could see the peak and trail kiosk from road 7030. It was worth coming back for. Half the hike is in shaded evergreens, while the upper portion is through really cool rock formations. If you aren't afraid of heights, there are several ledges that make great photo backdrops. The lookout's wrap-around deck made a nice sunny lunch spot with a slight breeze. The interior was locked up, but very clean. We spotted a big plume of smoke near Snoqualmie Pass, but all around us were crystal clear views.

Kelly Butte — Jun. 30, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
4 photos
  • Wildflowers blooming
 
What a great hike. The weather was perfect, the trail is in great shape, and the views from the lookout are breathtaking. Followed the directions above to the trail head and they were spot on. We hit the trail at 10:30 and there were 3 other cars in the lot so we pretty much had the trail to ourselves. It was sunny and warm out so I'm glad I put plenty of sunscreen on because there is very little shade on the hike up. We made it to the lookout and saw where there is still some snow in the shaded areas. Saw lots of wildflowers blooming and we also saw a Western Tanager flying about the trees.

Kelly Butte — Jun. 22, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
4 photos
  • Wildflowers blooming
 
This is a fun hike! There are tons of flowers, neat rocks for photo ops, a good workout and great views. We saw hummingbirds, squirrels and lots of bees pollinating the flowers. No marmots, this time. The trail is in good shape. It is steep and exposed in places. There were three tiny little patches of snow that are no concern at all. The lookout is in great shape. The door was open but the wrap around deck was the place to be.. We were lucky to have views of Mount Rainier when we started but then clouds moved in keeping her mostly hidden. Nearby Colquhoun Peak was worth doing afterward. It was fun to spot it from the lookout then spot the lookout from a viewpoint on that trail.

Kelly Butte — Jun. 22, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
2 photos
Beware of: snow conditions
  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Hiked with a dog

1 person found this report helpful

 
OMG! What a weekend to camp at the LOOKOUT! Goat showed up in the AM, and lots of visitors. BRING A PHILLIPS-HEAD SCREWDRIVER, so you can open the dormers. Also, clorox-wipes are a handy thing for the mouse-poop, to keep dust down and avoid huntavirus. Amazing full rainbow in the PM. Two pics attached. WILDFLOWERS, including bear grass and columbine are in full show on the way up. Last of the snow melting, but if you want to snow-ball fight, you've can find some ammo!