McClellan Butte Trail Report

July 8-9, 2010

McClellan Butte (#1015)

Location:

Snoqualmie Pass-Snoqualmie Pass, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest,
Snoqualmie Ranger District

Guide books and Maps:

Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 206

NW Trail Pass required

Hike by the numbers:
10.2 miles (per my Garmin, compared to 9 miles stated)
3734 of elevation gain

Current Conditions:

The lower trail is in great condition. All signs are in place and route
finding wasn’t a problem. (I did turn down a side path after the
outhouse on the John Wayne Trail which was NOT the trail. Hint: only
turn at signs)

After you cross FR 9020 the first half of that section to the summit is
in great condition like the lower section. When you hit the first avalanche shoot you’ll find mud, snow and mosquitoes! Only the first four avalanche shoots have snow, the fifth and sixths are snow free but the trail in that area has snow.

The Glow.

Once you make the turn at the southern ridge line the trail is snow free
until you turn again along the ridge spine to the summit. After that
you’ll be on snow 98% of the time to the base of the summit scramble.
Even with a decent breeze the mosquitoes were pretty bad on top (I know,

I slept on top). I did not have any traction devices with me, only
poles. Water can be found at a few places throughout the climb.

To read my hike recap, view video/photos of this hike, click here
McClellan Butte S24O.

Scatman

Get Out There!