Kelly Butte #1031 F.R. 7030 is blocked by a snow drift and two fallen trees the last 1/4 mile or so short of where you usually park at the road fork (if you don't have a high-clearance 4WD). Fortunately there is a turnaround at a turnout just 100 yards short of the snow drift where 2-3 cars can park. From there you walk 1.08 mi. to where the new trail starts (or use a mountain bike as I did). New trail is in good shape but there are several places where it needs more widening or a more gentle grade. The wildflowers are spectacular at this time of the year (bear grass, indian paint brush, tiger lilies). The restoration work on the lookout tower is progressing well thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers and a Forest Service helicopter providing transportation of heavy items.

On a beautiful sunny day, Lynn and I made our first visit to the Kelly Butte Lookout. We were stopped on 7030 just short of the ""rough road"" to the trailhead by a tree fallen over a snow bank, so we walked a bit more. There were only a couple of small snowfields still left on the trail. Wish we had found the new trail at the bottom; we entrusted ourselves to the ropes instead. Views of Mt. Rainier all the way to the top and fabulous wildflowers--beargrass, Indian paintbrush, columbine, phlox, Jack in the pulpit, lupine. The lookout awaits its new windows this summer; enjoyed reading the logbook. Brought back two of the ticks Bob warned about.

I was unable to attach the pictures when I sent my report last week, but now I have figured it out!

Another old favorite, much improved. Though the rope is still there, we didn’t need it. There is a new trail, not totally finished yet, steep, narrow and dusty, but the rewards were great. Slow going up and coming down for some people, but everyone loved it. The lookout is being restored. We sat on the porch of the lookout eating lunch and trying to think of three words to describe the hike: best hike ever, very berry wonderful, a beaut of a butte (disqualified). Great dinner afterwards at Krain Corner. Huge portions--we all split dinners.

Brad ( a coworker) and I hiked up to Kelly Butte. We met 15 boy scouts (one girl!) and 5 scout masters from the Covington troop. The gully is as dusty and crumbly as ever, but the Forest Service has flagged out a new route which will be better, but is pretty steep too. The new route is marked with surveyors tape slightly to the east of the existing trail. The flowers are magnificent!!! Beargrass, lupine, creeping phlox, stonecrop, arnica and others are blooming are lovely enough to distract one from the trail. The FS has worked the trail too and the scouts are doing more. Brad and I caulked the roof cap and very much enjoyed the great views of Rainier and surrounding mountains. Many thanks to the Covington Scouts for their cleanup work, trail work, and dedication to the Kelly Butte Renovation. Awesome Dudes!!!!