[seekapeak]

Meck is great at sending us ideas for new adventures. He spotted a trip report from Eric Willhite from May 2016 that looked very interesting. See Eric's report here: https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8020586&highlight=anderson+butte Today we joined up with Meck and headed to Grays Harbor. Eric's trip report is spot on. We had no trouble finding FR23. We drove a short distance up the spur road and parked. Snow free at this time. The walk up the old FR040 was kinder than we expected. Not much bushwhacking at all. Eric is right, it wouldn't take much work to make this a nice trail to a great destination. We did eventually put on snowshoes but we could have booted through the snow without too much trouble. Once you break off FR040 and head up the ridge it is steep. We took off our snowshoes and put on microspikes. In places it was steep and icy so we were glad to have the microspikes today. We first hit the true highest point (approx. 3400'). Then we went over to check out if it was possible to get to the top of the old fire lookout site. This site was blasted into the side of steep rock and today there was no way we were headed up there. It was covered in snow and would not be safe. But we will mark it on our list to return when it is snow free and finish the final push to the old lookout site.

The start of the old forest road

Small creek crossing

Snack break on the way up

Heading up!

Snow frosted trees

Some not so fun snowy bushwhacking

The old fire lookout site ahead

Woody soaking up the sun

Posts still anchored in the rock

The knife edge up to the fire lookout site (can't make it up today).

[Phil]

Very nice!

[RichP]

That one could be another candidate for a fixed rope a la Storm King.

[Captain Trips]

I was pleased to read your report and see those great photos. My dad was a part of the CCC that worked in that area and had some connection with the lookout. We have an air view of Anderson Butte hanging on the wall but always wondered about the area below the lookout. Please give an update when you reach the top!

[bobbi]

fantabulous! what a great adventure! thanks for knowing when to turn around! can't wait to see your return trip with photos on top of the old lookout!