McClellan Butte

McClellan Butte is a mountain summit in the Cascade Range that rises to 5,162 feet above sea level with a prominence of 1,442 feet. It sits within Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and is reached via a round-trip trail of approximately 10.5 miles that climbs around 4,073 feet in elevation.

The mountain is named after General George B. McClellan, who explored the area in 1853 while surveying potential railroad routes through the Cascades. These exploration missions were part of early efforts to develop transportation routes across the mountain region.

Local hikers call this peak McClellan Brute, a nickname that reflects the mountain's demanding nature and shows the respect of the climbing community. The route has earned a strong reputation among experienced hikers in the region.

This hike demands advanced scrambling abilities and proper gear for its technical sections higher on the mountain. Snow persists on several portions of the route until early July, making the climb more difficult and hazardous during the early season.

This peak features multiple avalanche chutes and water-carved snow bridges that create seasonal hazards during spring months. These dynamic features change year to year with weather conditions, making the route unpredictable for climbers.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 47.40690,-121.62229

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23