McClellan Butte Trail #1015

McClellan Butte Trail #1015

Highlights: Mountain views, Forest

Distance: 4.5 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 1500 feet

Ending Elevation: 5160 feet

Difficulty level: Most Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #206

Visitor Use: Medium

SUMMARY:

The trail enters the forest, climbs 0.5 mile to the Iron Horse Trail. Follow the Iron Horse Trail west for 0.4 mile and look for the McClellan Butte trail (takes off to the left). Leave the Iron Horse Trail and follow the McClellan Butte trail 0.5 mile to FS Road 9020. Cross the road and continue. Now, the trail gets steep, and switchbacks through woods with peak-a-boo views of the valley and surrounding peaks.

At approximately milepost 4, the trail crosses a ridge to the west side of the peak providing views toward Seattle and Puget Sound. The trail descends to a little pond before gradually climbing to a viewpoint on the ridge just below the summit. From the end of the trail, a short exposed scramble leads to the summit of McClellan Butte. Use extreme caution if climbing the rocks to the summit. The rocks are slippery when wet and a fall could be fatal. The viewpoint at the end of the trail is a good place to stop and enjoy the scenery of the Snoqualmie Valley stretched out below.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:I-90 to exit #42 (Tinkham Road). Turn right (south) at the stop sign, cross the S. Fork Snoqualmie River. Travel .3 of a mile on gravel FS Road #55. Turn right at the McClellan Butte trailhead sign. Trailhead is at the end of the road.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

I-90 Snoqualmie Pass

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

North Bend Office42404 SE North Bend WayNorth Bend, WA 98045 Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm (425) 888-1421

Snoqualmie PassVisitor Center Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekendFriday - Monday8:30 am - 4:00 pm (425) 434-6111

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Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors. Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.