I did it around 1970. The final scramble had metal poles spaced maybe 20 feet apart with metal rods or cable running between them. They were pretty bent and rusty but did provide some reassurance. I think there was a surveyor’s monument on top. It’s nice to see it again. I’m not sure I’m sure-footed enough these days to try it again.
Thanks for sharing this video. I will have to try to summit McClellan Butte myself when I can get sometime to do more hikes in Washington. Love all your videos & look forward to seeing more new ones. See you at the next trail head. I will keep on watching.
Jen, I love big Butte's and cannot lie as well. This would be a whole different trip if you did it last week. Still lots of snow lingering on the north slopes. Nice work on the vid as always. You put a whole bunch more effort into your than I do.
Doug, were you up there last week? Doug, it's been one year since you first commented on our Beckler video. What other mountain rescues have you been on since then?
Unfortunatly there is never a shortage of Mountain rescue missions. I have done a bunch of broken legs on trails lately. We have a mission on Pratt Mountain tonight that I could not make, they are looking for the person now. Also had an overdue hiker on Preacher Mountain (last summer) following your route past Rainey lake. Just took longer than he expected.
Did this yesterday with friends; a decent amount of snow throughout, but the final scramble was clear and dry. Completely agree that it is substantially easier and less vertical than Haystack on Mt. Si. I would suggest everyone physically able, do it (in dry conditions)...it feels substantially easier once you are on top and unlike other scrambles I've done, feels even easier to descend.
I was across the valley last weekend (January 2020) climbing Dirty Harry. I kept looking over and thinking about the extreme cold and windy weather on McClellan. Watching this video and thinking of the weather makes me wanna go see how high I can climb in the snow while getting some great video. Thanks for getting me thrilled about this Butte.
Humpback is to the east, same exit as Franklin Falls. You guys should check out the Hansen Creek crystal area. It’s pretty addictive. I’ve been down there 3 times in the last 2 months. It’s definitely a place everyone should visit at least once in their PNW life, on a weekday.
Thanks Nick and Jen for another great video. It is so fun for me to see on film climbs that I did many years ago before GoPro existed. Keep up the great work!!
That final part is really intimidating. Wow, I would never do it, specially with one hand! I have to thank you in every video for the effort you guys do to give us the best experience. Sometimes I think it could be too dangerous or could ruin your experience, but I really hope it doesn't. And for me that dog at the end was the sign that confirms the end of a very good hike on a happy day. Thank you guys!
Not to worry Fer, I always put the camera away when things get too difficult or dangerous. I would like to live another day, so I can film another hike. :)
Hi, Guys! What a treat to wake up to, enjoy a cup-a-joe, and 'be with' friends!! The scramble... looked much easier than the 'North Twin'; is that a correct assessment?? But a great one to more or less end the year on. 'til next time, Take care, Ed
You are correct! This is a really solid entry hike into the world of scrambling. It's rather short climb, and it's only a class 3 tops. With North Twin, you are climbing for a couple hours and there is no real clear route. And it's mostly class 3-4 depending on how adventurous you want to be with your climb.
I think the closest thing to a 5/5 "near" Seattle would be Kaleetan Peak. It's not as easy as McClellan Butte, but you do get to swing by Lake Melakwa on your approach. ua-cam.com/video/GOKYumdWd_s/v-deo.html
I've been wanting to ask you two about your water systems. I'm used to a old school canteen. I'd think it would be difficult to keep bacteria from accumulating in the drinking valve and the tube. What is your experience with this issue for your water systems?
Osprey, along with a couple other brands make a cleaning kit so you can make sure your system is nice and clean. The bite valve also comes apart for rather easy cleaning. Of course it takes time to clean the system opposed to a canteen or nalgen bottle. But you make up that time by having readily available water whenever you need it. Personally I like the hydration system more as I will drink more water. When it's in a vessel, I tend to put it off more because I have to stop, fish it out, open it up, drink, put it away, or ask jen to help put it away. Here's a link to a cleaning kit. www.amazon.com/Osprey-Hydraform-Reservoir-Cleaning-Kit/dp/B004QNTB2A
Beautiful day to be up there! I was probably hiking in Oregon that same sunny day. Looks like McClellan was indeed the site of a lookout once. www.firetower.org/lookouts/us/wa/mcclellan-butte-lookout-site/
I'm always impressed at the number of lookouts that used to exist here in the PNW. We were just up Higgins, which was also the site of a now torn down lookout.
Don't forget to stalk us on Instagram! It's safe and all natural. bit.ly/outside-instagram
Fond memories of this hike
Thanks 😃
We love driving that trail.
Love that marine layer
I did it around 1970. The final scramble had metal poles spaced maybe 20 feet apart with metal rods or cable running between them. They were pretty bent and rusty but did provide some reassurance. I think there was a surveyor’s monument on top. It’s nice to see it again. I’m not sure I’m sure-footed enough these days to try it again.
WoW! Thank you so much for this video.
Thanks for sharing this video. I will have to try to summit McClellan Butte myself when I can get sometime to do more hikes in Washington. Love all your videos & look forward to seeing more new ones. See you at the next trail head. I will keep on watching.
Jen, I love big Butte's and cannot lie as well. This would be a whole different trip if you did it last week. Still lots of snow lingering on the north slopes. Nice work on the vid as always. You put a whole bunch more effort into your than I do.
Doug, were you up there last week? Doug, it's been one year since you first commented on our Beckler video. What other mountain rescues have you been on since then?
Unfortunatly there is never a shortage of Mountain rescue missions. I have done a bunch of broken legs on trails lately. We have a mission on Pratt Mountain tonight that I could not make, they are looking for the person now. Also had an overdue hiker on Preacher Mountain (last summer) following your route past Rainey lake. Just took longer than he expected.
I think I would like to sit down with you sometime and do an interview about the perils of hiking out here.
We can arrange that.
Another awesome outing! Thanks for sharing Nick and Jen .
Ernie
Thanks Ernie!
Did this yesterday with friends; a decent amount of snow throughout, but the final scramble was clear and dry. Completely agree that it is substantially easier and less vertical than Haystack on Mt. Si. I would suggest everyone physically able, do it (in dry conditions)...it feels substantially easier once you are on top and unlike other scrambles I've done, feels even easier to descend.
I was across the valley last weekend (January 2020) climbing Dirty Harry. I kept looking over and thinking about the extreme cold and windy weather on McClellan. Watching this video and thinking of the weather makes me wanna go see how high I can climb in the snow while getting some great video. Thanks for getting me thrilled about this Butte.
Humpback is to the east, same exit as Franklin Falls. You guys should check out the Hansen Creek crystal area. It’s pretty addictive. I’ve been down there 3 times in the last 2 months. It’s definitely a place everyone should visit at least once in their PNW life, on a weekday.
Thanks Nick and Jen for another great video. It is so fun for me to see on film climbs that I did many years ago before GoPro existed. Keep up the great work!!
Hopefully it brings back positive memories!
That final part is really intimidating. Wow, I would never do it, specially with one hand! I have to thank you in every video for the effort you guys do to give us the best experience. Sometimes I think it could be too dangerous or could ruin your experience, but I really hope it doesn't. And for me that dog at the end was the sign that confirms the end of a very good hike on a happy day.
Thank you guys!
Not to worry Fer, I always put the camera away when things get too difficult or dangerous. I would like to live another day, so I can film another hike. :)
Wow! Awesome views up there. Great video!!
Thanks for making these vids. Being from Arizona it's nice to go on a virtual mountain climb with you.
Hi, Guys! What a treat to wake up to, enjoy a cup-a-joe, and 'be with' friends!! The scramble... looked much easier than the 'North Twin'; is that a correct assessment?? But a great one to more or less end the year on. 'til next time, Take care, Ed
You are correct! This is a really solid entry hike into the world of scrambling. It's rather short climb, and it's only a class 3 tops. With North Twin, you are climbing for a couple hours and there is no real clear route. And it's mostly class 3-4 depending on how adventurous you want to be with your climb.
Great vid as always! Just watch those chutes in snow - 38-40 deg. is prime avi territory.
Several people have died, falling from the top. It is not an easy choice. Be careful out there
great video. I am going to do this one next month. you rated this 3.5.. what would be some 5/5 hikes around Seattle as per you?
I think the closest thing to a 5/5 "near" Seattle would be Kaleetan Peak. It's not as easy as McClellan Butte, but you do get to swing by Lake Melakwa on your approach. ua-cam.com/video/GOKYumdWd_s/v-deo.html
What FSR is the short cut on?
TIA
It’s off exit 38 the ollalie state park exit You can pick it up of there somewhere you can check online.
yikes looks pretty steep! Another great vid, i'll have to add it to the list!
I've been wanting to ask you two about your water systems. I'm used to a old school canteen. I'd think it would be difficult to keep bacteria from accumulating in the drinking valve and the tube. What is your experience with this issue for your water systems?
Osprey, along with a couple other brands make a cleaning kit so you can make sure your system is nice and clean. The bite valve also comes apart for rather easy cleaning. Of course it takes time to clean the system opposed to a canteen or nalgen bottle. But you make up that time by having readily available water whenever you need it. Personally I like the hydration system more as I will drink more water. When it's in a vessel, I tend to put it off more because I have to stop, fish it out, open it up, drink, put it away, or ask jen to help put it away. Here's a link to a cleaning kit. www.amazon.com/Osprey-Hydraform-Reservoir-Cleaning-Kit/dp/B004QNTB2A
Outside & Stuff OK, thanks for all the info. I'll look into that.
Awesome video! Love your guy's channel, inspired me to get out on some of these trails! What equipment do you use to make these videos?
Beautiful day to be up there! I was probably hiking in Oregon that same sunny day. Looks like McClellan was indeed the site of a lookout once. www.firetower.org/lookouts/us/wa/mcclellan-butte-lookout-site/
I'm always impressed at the number of lookouts that used to exist here in the PNW. We were just up Higgins, which was also the site of a now torn down lookout.
That last scramble looks terrible, cause I’m a scaredy-cat 😂
doughy white PNW geek dude hikes
You do hikes that are too frightening for me.
Is Jen part Japanese?
She's part Colombian.
Outside & Stuff Ah, I asked because she said Ikimasho :)
We both speak Japanese. I even lived in Tokyo for three years.
Very cool! I could when I was a child, but lost it growing up in America. Hope to see you on the trails!
You two are hereby banished from using the word "Butte" henceforth! Great video though!
We don't claim to make the best decisions in life when it comes to getting in front of a camera. ;)
A significant reason why 3,000+ are now watching this channel....i guess the mountains are sort of nice too. Stay real
Kiss each other love birds
I'm not one for public displays of affection. But there is a future video where Jen and I do kiss. Stay tuned for that!