McClellan Butte — Sunday, Aug. 31, 1997

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

The trail from the new parking area was beautiful. Soft pine duff and a pleasant meander through the the trees came to an abrupt end as we had to trek along a gravel road for 600m to rejoin the old trail. That aside, the rest of the hike was great. We were moving quickly, and after a short scramble up the rock face (some exposure, but great steps and handholds), we were on the top in 2.5 hours. No views as the clouds came swirling in, and wildflowers were past their prime. The trip back down took nearly another 2.5 hours, and our knees were protesting the whole thing. Returned to the parking lot to find some local boys doing donuts in the gravel -- really nice.