Finding ourselves a little short on time this week, we headed out to Kelly Butte for a quick hike to up to a restored fire lookout. We navigated our way through a maze of logging roads to find ourselves rapidly climbing through fields of wildflowers toward expansive views of Mt. Rainier and the Green River Valley. The trail begins steeply, climbing past the rocks and crags of the butte. There are two approaches. The old route starts at the end of the logging road, where ropes have been strung to help you up the steep scramble. The new route is much tamer, and begins a hundred yards from the road’s end. Either way, the trails quickly connect and switchback through logged meadows dotted with sun-bleached stumps and snags. In the summer the meadows are bursting with wildflowers, bear grass, mountain blueberry, and if you’re lucky, you may even come across a mountain goat or two. The views begin almost immediately and grow steadily larger as the trail flattens and you begin the short traverse to the lookout and the view. On a clear day you can’t miss Mt. Rainier, Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker and Mt. Stuart. For the full report, check out: http://www.hikingwithmybrother.com/2011/08/kelly-butte-fire-lookout-trail-1031.html Jer

Great hike. Incredible wildflowers especially the lupine and beargrass. The trail is in good shape but don't space out like we did and take the goat trail from the end of the road. Take the trail on your right about 100ys BEFORE the end of the road. If you see some ropes dangling down the trail go back and take the other trail. Still it was not really dangerous going up the alternative route. The lookout cabin at the top is in really good shape ! Thanks to the volunteers on that.

WILDFLOWERS GALORE! This Summer has really compressed the flowering of EVERYTHING. Lilies with Bear Grass, Lupine and Columbine, Service berry, and more. If you want an absolute gorgeous wildflower hike MID JULY, this is the one. I've been over 5,000' in a half dozen places this early summer, and NOWHERE has there been the wildflowers like here. You'll LOVE IT. Snow is finally clear (was there on 7/4, hiked for 1/4 mile through snow). You won't hit a single patch all the way to the viewpoint. The view is spectacular! Trail in great shape. From trailhead, at a VERY brisk pace, and only a 10 minute stop at the viewpoint, it was 1:35:00 round trip to the car. Road is fine, too.

Snowfree hiking at 5,000 feet!!! yipee! I'm so glad to see that a new trail was built here. I've always avoided this trail because the guide books describe too much adventure than I'm willing to put in. They describe a scramble and horrible drive. But this is no longer the case. A new beginning of the trail was built so that you don't need to do a scramble making this a great day hike. The road to the trail was in great shape and you don't need a high-clearance vehicle. The lookout has been repair too. I encourage you to hike here and discover for yourself this gem. Now, getting there....we followed directions previously given in a trip report by leslieinoly. Thank you. The directions were perfect! Once there, you hike about 1/4 miles on an old logging road, then switchback up 1/2 miles through wonderful wildflowers and interesting rock formations. We were under cloud over all day, but as the clouds moved around we got glimpses of the views. so on a clear day I think this trail must have really nice views. Once above the switchbacks you cross an alpine field. Up over a rocky ridge is the lookout. This was a very nice day hike. I hope more people check it out.

Went to check out snow levels, wasn't sure if we could even drive here yet! To my suprise you can drive all the way to TH! Perfect day, we started early to beat the heat. Our new pup is a trooper and walked all the way up and 90% down. There is still some snow in the meadows, but easy to follow the trail since I'd been here before. It won't be long before it's melted out. Flowers are just starting to open, there are ticks at the LO, I picked up one on my shirt. The lookout is in fine shape thanks to Bob! I'd love to spend the summer up here, amazing 360 views of everything and less than 2 mile hike!