McClellan Butte’s distinctive pointed summit is visable from I-90. Close to Seattle, this a popular climb year round because of the easy access. Take the Tinkham Road at I-90 exit 42. It is about five miles along the trail to the summit.

This day was my third attempt this season. The first, on May 16, saw new snow from the Trailhead. After breaking trail in ever deeper snow, I turned around at the second avalanche slope. The snow was three feet deep, and very unconsolidated. The second attempt, on May 24, was rained out at the trailhead.

The weather was cloudy, but it didn’t rain. An early start gave me the trail to myself, and the illusion of wilderness. At the two avalanche slopes were almost completely melted out. At the second one, I headed directly up to the ridge to the upper south slopes as recommended by Beckey. I was completed in the fog, and visibility was only two hundred feet.

Once on the ridge, I headed north toward the summit, dropping down just west of the ridge. Here I found significant snow, and kicked steps until I arrived at the summit block. The summit block was free on snow, and is a very easy short scramble. The views are reported to be very nice, but I saw only clouds except for one ray of sun as I arrived at the summit, 5,162’.

For the return I donned crampons and followed the normal route. The snow ended at 4,000’ and at this point I saw the first hikers of the day. 10 miles, 6.5 hours.