John Chalovich

John Chalovich

McClellan Butte

07/30/16

I'm a 21 year old athletic college kid that loves challenging hikes and this was the steepest hike I've ever done. We started a little after 7 am when the sky was overcast and worked ourselves up into the cloud line. The trail is excellently kept but after an hour of moderate grade the hike becomes extremely steep. Right as we approached the butte we came above the clouds and the sheer cliffs all around the summit dropped off into pure white, it was insane. Scaling the butte itself was awesome; it's an immense slab of stone jutting up at a roughly 50 degree angle but is plenty jagged for easy foot and handholds. When we got to the top the clouds opened up just enough to get some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains while still feeling like you were above the clouds. This is definitely my favorite hike I've ever done - the clouds added an epic element to it but I'd also like to go back on a clear day to be able to enjoy the whole view.

5.0

John Chalovich

Mount Pilchuck Lookout

06/22/16

I wanted to take my visiting boyfriend on a hike that would show him the best Seattle's mountains have to offer and Pilchuck did not disappoint. We're college seniors and love challenging hikes with great views and this mountain was exactly what we were looking for. Never anything too crazy although there was still about 100-foot stretch of snow left in mid-June (definitely not something that should deter you) but the mud was a bit much-don't wear your nice gym shoes. Also BRING BUG SPRAY. But besides those two things, I could not recommend this hike more, and the mountaintop-lookout is really awesome.

5.0