Kelly Butte Lookout Hiking Guide

Kelly Butte Lookout

DISTANCE

3.4 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

1100 feet

Difficulty

Moderate

Area

Mt. Rainier

Permit

NW Forest Pass

Hike Summary

Looking for a lovely day hike near Mt. Rainier National Park? Kelly Butte is the place to be. Unobstructed views? Check. A good workout? Check. Wildflowers? Check.

Overall, this hike is short, sweet and decently steep. Aside from the 3/4 mile walk under shady evergreens in the beginning, it turned out to be 95% in the sun. By Washington weather standards (and I’ll admit that we’re wimps), it was a toasty hike. The nice thing about the lack of trees and shade is that you have near-constant mountain views.

Being a perfectly content and self-proclaimed lone wolf, I like to hike on my own and usually opt for weekdays to avoid crowds. On this hike, I only ran into three other groups, all of whom were going the opposite direction and the first of which was on their way down at 9am. Apparently these overachievers made pancakes and coffee at the top, which is very impressive on their part.

Despite the near-constant distractions of remarkable views, little streams and wildflowers galore, it didn’t take too long to reach the lookout, perhaps an hour and a half or so. At the top, I was the only person and ended up having the lookout to myself for over an hour. Usually fire lookouts are locked up but this one was open and very welcoming. There was a logbook, camping chairs, cots, maps, water, even books and cards. I set up my hammock and enjoyed a far less glorious breakfast than my fellow hikers and hunkered down to admire the view and drink up the mountain air.

On the way down, I was thought about how peaceful and quiet the mountains are. My mind found itself happily reflecting on the serene atmosphere, the tranquility of the place, the beau — SQUEEEEEEEE! — mid-calming thought, I heard a deafening squeal that sounded like something between a whistle at full blast and a screeching toddler in the throws of a tantrum.

When I looked around I saw a marmot sitting on a rock. He screeched again and two faithful companions ran to his side. One more screech and they disappeared in opposite directions. It was like I witnessed critter drill practice in full swing. I loved every screeching minute of it.

After a few hours of blissful mountain quality time, I successfully made it safely back down and begrudgingly back to the city. All in all, it was a solid day and is just one more place to add to the list of Things That Make Me Fall In Love With the Pacific Northwest Even Though I Am Already Head Over Heels. Admittedly, it’s a fairly long list and hopefully I’ll share even more of it soon!