Anyone who has driven along I-90 west of Snoqualmie Pass has seen McClellan Butte whether they knew it or not. I used to tell my kids it was Mt Crumpit where the Grinch lived. The peak is so prominent that it can't be missed and calls out to be climbed. This is a long 9 mile hike with a significant rock scramble at the top. Is it worth the effort? Of course it is.
The trail contains everything from steep ascents, switchbacks, old-growth forest, talus fields, meadows covered in wildflowers, Mt Rainier views, snow fields, scramble, and the best overall I-90 corridor view I've seen. From this single vantage point you can easily spot numerous other trail summits. This really helps solidify the topography of the area in your mind.
At around 2.5 miles there are a series of avalanche chutes to cross. At the time I visited these were covered by the last remains of a snow bridge that made it impossible to cross, so my dog and I were forced to go under and scramble up the other side. This was very difficult with a 70 lb dog who expected me to do all the work. Alone, this would have been fun. I almost turned around after several failed attempts to push my dog up the muddy slope.
After 4 miles the trail turns west and then quickly north towards the summit ridge. There was a significant snow field to cross at this point before making it to the shoulder where I was very lucky to find another hiker willing to watch after my dog as I made the scramble to the top. There's no way she could have made it. Make no mistake, this is dangerous.
Map & Stats
9.0 mile out & back
3800 ft elev gain
Highest point at 5162 ft
Northwest Forest Pass required