McClellan Butte Trail

McClellan Butte Trail (Trail #1015) is a long-distance out-and-back hike with a dirt tread and excellent visibility. It’s mapped as a moderate hike, but the route ends with a short, very exposed scramble to the summit area, so most of the work is patience and traction management rather than technical climbing technique.

Expect a sustained climb once you leave the early forest section. Early on you cross Forest Service Road 9020 and continue steepening through woods with switchbacks and a short traverse. Midway through the hike the route passes a series of avalanche chutes and snow-bridge terrain; if there’s lingering snow, this is one of the places where conditions can turn quickly.

By the time you reach the west-facing slopes and the saddle near the summit ridge, the “hike” portion becomes more scrambly. There’s a viewpoint at the end of the maintained trail just below the summit ridge; many people stop here if they don’t want the final exposure.

From the end of the trail, the summit requires an additional short exposed scramble. Wet rock can make the scramble slippery, and a fall here would be severe; plan to climb only in dry conditions and treat any lingering moisture as a hard stop.

Route planning matters because access is pass-based and restricted for stock/bikes: the trailhead requires a valid recreation pass, and stock or bicycles are not allowed above the Iron Horse Trail. Camping is not permitted at the trailhead, so build your day-hike plan around a single push to the viewpoint and summit/scramble (if conditions allow).

For preparation, scout the approach and chute sections if it has recently rained or snowmelt is present—wet slabs and slippery rock are the main mismatch between “it looks doable” and “it’s hazardous.” If snow is on or near the avalanche chutes, treat the area as a no-go until it has cleared, since snow can slide on steep slopes.

More information: Conditions, Visitor information, McClellan Butte : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering