Starting at 4,314 feet, walk a short 0.7 miles up an old logging road to a new section of trail just to the right with boulder steps. Enjoy stretching your legs on the shady, wild, strawberry-lined road before tackling the short steep climb to the Kelly Butte Lookout.
As you climb, rock towers and outcroppings daubed with wildflowers are worth slowing your pace for. Look for Lilies with Bear Grass, Indian paintbrush, Penstemon, Arnica, Columbine, Lupine, Phlox, and more during the summer months. You might glimpse mountain goats and other wildlife.
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Twists and turns weave through the steep labyrinth of rocks and outcroppings to the lookout. As the trail levels off, the hiking is easier and you will pass through huckleberry patches. Kelly Butte is shaped like a bundt cake with steep sides and a flatter top. If the weather is good you will be able to see Mt. Rainer. Peer down the green valley below at flowery meadows, scattered snags, and silver threads of rivers and streams. A stone staircase leads up to the deck of the lookout perched at 5,379 feet.
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
To hike Drive east on Hwy 410 for 20.7 miles just past Greenwater, Wash., to Forest Service Road 70 and turn left. Continue 8.3 miles to Forest Service Road 7030, turn left and proceed four miles to the Twin Camps "T" in the road. Turn left and stay on Forest Service Road 7030 for 1.3 miles to the turnoff, turn right and continue 1.3 miles to Kelly Butte Trailhead.
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