It was a cloudy day but, even without the amazing views, this is still a fun trail. There are lots of neat rocks, wildflowers galore and marmots. On the last section of road, half a mile past the trail sign, just before the actual trail is a big pile of mountain goat hair and some bones. It looks like a feast was had=( There are still a few patches of snow up near the top but they are easy to cross. It's a steep trail, rocky in places so hiking poles are helpful. I wish we had brought bug spray so the little biters would have found me less tasty. Be sure to check for ticks, we came home with two. The outer door covering of the lookout was ripped off instead of being unscrewed and the regular door is unlocked with duct tape over the part you twist to lock it so it stays unlocked. It is nice to be able to go inside and sign the book but I doubt that this was done officially. I posted more pics here:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151080202343109.494444.547133108&type=3&l=c19620096f

Hiked this trail to the Kelly Butte fire lookout today and really loved it. There were some patches of snow near the top of the butte but they were passable. The wildflowers were blooming along the trail and the trail itself was in very good condition. Some steep parts, but overall not a very difficult or long hike. The directions to the trailhead here on the WTA site are very good, and we had no problems finding it. Overall a very lovely, short hike to a lookout with awesome views on a clear day. No bugs (yet).

This was my fist time up to the lookout. A great climb through the rocks, dusty as expected for this time of year. A good rain would clear up the smog over the White River and N.Bend districts. Still it there was a lot to see. Wildflowers, huckleberries, Lester, and some grouse. Thanks to Bob Alder, Forest Clark and other for the restoration work. Thanks to WTA crew for the great trail work.

Directions to the TH are accurate in the Hiking Guide. We parked at the TH sign. The road can be driven to the actual trail, but there is no turn around if you meet another vehicle. We did drive the road after our hike to check the mileage and our odometer said it was 0.7 mile. The new trail is steep but well done as always by WTA. Thank you! The only shade was the road walk. Views from the lookout were hazy but included Mt Rainier, Glacier Peak, Mt Baker, Mt Stuart, Mt Hinman, and Mt Daniel. We would like to have been on this trail when the beargrass was blooming. Morning lighting would be best for viewing Mt Rainier. We met one couple on our way up and 5 people on our way down. Fall colors are starting.

We parked at the trail head sign and walked the few tenths up the old road to the actual trail. Our car could have made it up but if the truck that was up there had come down one of us would have been doing some backing up as it is only wide enough for one vehicle. That bit is a nice shady warm up before the steepness begins anyway. The rock cliffs are interesting and made for some fun pictures. There are a lot of wildflowers but they are past their prime. There are lots of ripe huckleberries with some of the bushes are starting to get fall colors. The steepness does lessen about half way up. There is no shade. We explored the area around the lookout then sat on the shady side of the deck for awhile just enjoying the beauty all around us. The views are great! We practically had the place to ourselves just seeing one couple as we started and one as we finished. Fun hike!