Kelly Butte — Saturday, Jul. 12, 2025

A few months post hip surgery, Hiker Bill got the 3 amigos back together for a hike. I recommended Kelly Butte (Mount Rainier Area>Chinook Pass-Hwy410), as it afforded an opportunity to visit WA Fire Lookout Tower #8 on my list. Slow pace to accommodate Bill, but he completed it! Groomed trail in last mile gave me chance to do a bit of solo trail running and break-in some new gear swag. My current aches not comfortable during trail run pace but benefitted from the undulating terrain during hiking/climbing. Got to tour the Lookout Cabin and chat with volunteer ranger (hmm, post-retirement “job” for me..?) Clouds parted on the descent, providing unique view of the “blown out” side of the Mt. Rainier summit-looking at the NE Sunrise/Winthrop Glacier side. Still awe-inspiring, no matter how many times I see it.