Kelly Butte Trail 1031

Starting at 4,314 feet, walk a short .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.

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.

At a Glance