Hike description: This short hike offers an opportunity for slow progress up the trail to enjoy the scenery and a day in the wilderness. Taken at a faster pace, it is a good conditioner hike for more energetic folks. Whatever your hiking style, you will want to check out this trail.
Many descriptions of this hike in older guide books and trip reports posted on the Internet describe this trail as a scramble on an unmaintained trail reached by a road described as horrific. This is no longer true. About 2007, a new trail was put in, making the scramble an option but not necessary. In July, the road to the trailhead proved to be surprisingly delightful, contrary to previously published descriptions.
From the parking area, walk a quarter mile on an old logging road. The new trail climbs steeply for about half a mile, then you enter a gentle climb to the lookout through an alpine forest of noble fir and bear grass. The lookout is just over a rocky ridge once you pass the alpine forest. The lookout was originally built in 1926, but in 1950 the cupola cabin was replaced by the L-4 cabin that is there today. This lookout was last staffed in the 1980s. Many reports also indicate that the lookout is in need of maintenance. In 2007, the lookout was repaired and is still being worked on.
The Kelly Butte Trail makes for a beautiful hike with opportunities for lots of wildflowers, huckleberries, views and impressive rock formations. To savor it all, you should hike this trail at different times of the year. Look for huckleberries in the fall, wildflowers in midsummer and, on a clear day, magnificent views to ponder over lunch.
Directions: Heading east on state Route 410, drive past Greenwater and turn left (north) onto paved Forest Road 70. Stop and zero out your odometer. At eight miles, turn left onto a road signed 7030. You will stay on Road 7030 for 14.4 miles from Road 70 to the trailhead. At 11.9 miles you will come to a “T” in the road. Turn left, staying on unsigned 7030. (A right turn to Road 7036 goes toward the Colquhoun and Pyramid Peak and Pacific Crest Trail trailheads.) The rest of Road 7030 has a couple of steep sections and watch-for-falling rock areas but was accessible to any passenger vehicles in July. At 12.4 miles, and another intersection, you will go straight and uphill. At 13.1 miles turn right, staying on Road 7030, as signed. (Signage at this intersection indicates that the road going straight is Road 7032.) You will pass side roads at miles 13.6 and 14.1. The rough road to the Kelly Butte trailhead is on your left at 14.4 miles from state Route 410.
Difficulty rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round-trip: 3.4
Elevation: 900 feet
Best time of year: July- October
Map: Green Trails Lester 239
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Also: Note that the guidebook “Best Rain Shadow Hikes,” published in 2003, describes the old scramble trail and with less than salutary driving directions. The driving directions provided here were taken from the Washington Trails Association website and were field-tested in July. Forest Service road maps, a good addition to your driving arsenal, illustrate how complex Forest Service roads (both official and unofficial) can be and how important attentive driving is. The town of Greenwater has a few places to eat and shop. The 10 Essentials should always be in your pack so you are prepared for any eventuality. Practice Leave No Trace and pack out all your own trash and any that you find along the way.
Info: For current trail and road information: fs.fed.us/r6/mbs; Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest Snoqualmie Ranger District, Enumclaw office, 360-825-6585.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
