Kelly Butte Lookout
Closed for the season. Winter snow renders approach roads inaccessible. The lookout is typically staffed by volunteers from late June through September.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Suiattle River Road Washout Closure
The Suiattle River Road (FSR 26) and other roads within the watershed were severely damaged from an atmospheric river flood event. The Suiattle River Road (at milepost 4) and associated spur roads are closed for public safety.
Mountain Loop Highway and Mt. Pilchuck Rd Closed for Winter!
A 14-mile section of the Mountain Loop Highway is closed to vehicles due to snow and road conditions between the Deer Creek and Bedal gates. The area remains open for non-motorized winter recreation including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In addition to the Mountain Loop Highway,…
Franklin Falls Sno-Park Closed this Winter
The Franklin Falls Sno-Park will not operate this winter, and the Denny Creek Road (Forest Service Road 58) will be closed to motorized traffic. The Denny Creek Road and parking lot at Franklin Falls will not be plowed. The Asahel Curtis and Annette Lake Sno-Parks will operate this winter.…
Mountain Loop Highway closed for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground
The Mountain Loop Highway on Darrington Ranger District is now closed to motor vehicles for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground. Timing of re-opening in the spring depends on weather but typically occurs in mid-May.
Fairfax Bridge Permanently Closed
The Fairfax Bridge on State Highway 165 (milepost 11.5) across the Carbon River has been permanently closed by Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) due to safety concerns. The bridge closure prevents vehicle access to Forest Road 7810, Summit Lake Trailhead, Coplay Lake, and Evans Creek…
Forest Service Roads #23 (White Chuck Road) and #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) Closed
Road damage caused by the December floods, along with their proximity to the river, makes public access unsafe. A temporary closure has been established on Forest Service Road #23 (White Chuck Road) from milepost 3.7 to its terminus with Forest Service Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) and on Forest…
Middle Fork Camping Closure
Dispersed camping is prohibited along part of Forest Road 56 and 5640, in a corridor adjacent to the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. The purpose of the camping restriction is to reduce recreation-related impacts to: 1) riparian areas and 2) the recreation experience for day-use…
Camping Restrictions
This order sets limits on how long people can camp in one place to protect natural resources, protect visitor health, and ensure all visitors have a fair chance to use camping areas and available facilities. You can camp no more than 14 days in a row at the same spot outside developed…
Entire Forest Under Food Storage Order
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has a food storage order in effect across the entire Forest. This order requires visitors to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants. The food storage…
About
Kelly Butte Lookout sits atop a 5,379-foot summit in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, accessed via the 1.7-mile Kelly Butte Trail. The current L-4 cabin structure replaced an original 1926 cupola design in 1950 and was fully restored in 2011. From late June through September, Forest Service volunteers staff the operational lookout, offering visitors a glimpse into historical fire detection operations. On clear days, the 360-degree views encompass Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Mount Stuart, and countless other Cascade peaks. The trail ascends through wildflower meadows and blueberry patches via rocky switchbacks constructed in 2007, replacing a previous scramble route. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for Forest Road 7030, which features rocks, dips, and steep drop-offs. During winter months, approach roads are typically inaccessible due to snow, and the lookout shutters are closed and locked. No camping, water, or restroom facilities are available at the site.
Directions
From Enumclaw, drive east on Highway 410 for 20.7 miles past Greenwater to Forest Service Road 70 and turn left. Continue 8.3 miles to Forest Service Road 7030, turn left and proceed 4 miles to the Twin Camps T-intersection. Turn left, stay on FS Road 7030 for 1.3 miles to the turnoff, turn right and continue 1.3 miles to Kelly Butte Trailhead. High-clearance vehicles recommended due to rocks, dips, and steep drop-offs.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (360) 825-6585 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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