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A great alternative to the big 3 of Granite, Mt. Si and Mailbox Peak


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Point to Point

4,655' 1,419 m

High

1,562' 476 m

Low

3,198' 975 m

Up

105' 32 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

65%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

McClellan Butte is a very prominent peak that can be seen from I-90 sticking out like a sharks fin above the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. Although it may look tough to get to the top, the ascent is mostly hiking on a trail, with a final (and optional) summit push of hand-and-foot rock scrambling. - Overview by Josh Bukoskey, Outdoor Project

Need to Know

If you want to traverse the summit, its best to wait for dry conditions because these rocks get very slippery. Some parties might opt to carry a rope and belay up during wet or snowy weather.

Description

A longer, challenging hike that you'll have all to yourself for the most part. First two-thirds is treed but opens up near the top with sweeping views of Rainier to the south for the last third.

The final half-mile of the trail circles the southwest side of the mountain ridge where you'll notice a large rocky summit block. Luckily, the summit block offers great handholds and plenty of places to put your feet to keep you feeling safe. This is some of the best climbing/scrambling you could hope for, though the fall exposure is significant.

Even if you don't want to do the scramble, you are still rewarded with awesome views near the top.

History & Background

This peak was named after George B. McClellan, a surveyor and Civil War General. He surveyed the Cascade Mountains in search of the best mountain pass to be used for a transcontinental railroad system.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ryan Boxy

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#4470

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#267

in Washington

#4,470

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596 Since Apr 1, 2019
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Photos

Mt Stuart, in the distance
Dec 11, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
it was sunny at 2500' today.
Dec 11, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
More scramblers descending
Dec 11, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jul 3, 2020
Kevin Pitman
Jul 2, 2020
Bryan Brown
with Ivan and Victor and lotsa clouds. the last third packs the punch. — 5h 00m
Aug 12, 2019
Nick Kastelic
Jul 25, 2019
Jennifer Chuang
Actually hiked yesterday 7/24. Next time allot more time for hike to more enjoy views. Steady somewhat flat start with significantly steep areas. — 5h 40m
Mar 19, 2018
Josie Blackwell
2018 (junior year) Spring Break w/ Roho. Tried to get to top but too much snow.
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