Day Hike - Kelly Butte

We will be meeting at 9:30 at the Enumclaw Ranger Station (450 Roosevelt Ave. E., Enumclaw, WA 98022). There is limited parking at the trailhead so we will carpool from here. We will plan to leave the ranger station by 9:45. From Enumclaw, it is an hour drive to the trailhead with a good portion of the drive on gravel forest service roads, with a washboard and rocky surface and potholes. You need a NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass to park at the trailhead. There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

Join me for a short but steep hike to the fire lookout tower on Kelly Butte with panoramic, 365 degree views. This hike will be at a slower pace, think 1.5 mph. The first third of the hike is along an old logging road. The second third involves switchbacks up the hillside with wildflowers, interesting rock formations, and stunning views of Mr Rainier. This section is fairly exposed, so be prepared with sun protection. The final third is a more gradual grade through a forested section of trail. There is no water to filter so be sure to carry enough for the weather/hiking conditions. We will stop for a break and lunch at the lookout before heading back down. If people are interested, we can stop in Greenwwater for a milkshake before heading back to our carpool location.