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After a smokey day in the PNW, On Sunday, I took a chance and headed south of Seattle to Kelly Butte Lookout.
The most challenging part of this hike is actually finding it. There are quite a few unmarked logging roads to deal with, and it is fairly easy to get turned around. Especially, if you’re starting early in the morning with only headlights to show your way.
The first lookout at Kelly Butte was a D-6 12’x12′ cupola cabin built in 1926 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was replaced in 1950 with a 1932 14’x14′ ground house with catwalk and staffed until the 1980s.
In 2011 the lookout was restored with a new access trail thanks to Bob Adler and a team of volunteers. The shake roof was replaced the first year, then 80 window panes, 19 window frames, and 8 new shutters were built the following year. 140 hours were invested replacing the door and rebuilding shutters. After 3,000 volunteer hours, the Kelly Butte lookout is a beautiful site to see!
Although, the lookout is closed for the season, its still worth the climb to see the surrounding vantage of Mount Rainier.
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