Hidden Lake Peak

HIke of the Week:

September 8, 2008

A hiker takes in the view from Hidden Lake Lookout, high above Hidden Lake. Photo by Alain.

Location: North Cascades
Distance: 9 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 3300 ft. gain to 6900 ft.
Maps: Green Trails #48Diablo, Cascade Pass #80

Why Go?

There are so many reasons to visit Hidden Lake this September. Fall color. Jaw dropping panoramic views. A beautifully restored forest lookout. And a newly re-opened road that had been closed for the past year and a half.

Be sure that you would add to this list as you hiked it, especially if you picked a sunny day to do this hike. The first couple of miles alternates between forest, a brushy old clearcut ripe with fall color in September and meadows. It's a nice warm-up for what's to come.

At about 2.2 miles, the meadows become more of a rock garden and the views become more impressive. At about 3 miles, you will cross an avalanche chute - the snow should be gone now, but if there is a snowfield it is wise not to cross without an ice axe. Without one, either detour around it or turn back. In another half mile, the lookout becomes visible; it seems impossible that you could walk up to its spire perch, but you can.

Shortly thereafter, you can peer down from a ridge and see Hidden Lake. Even though Hidden Lake is the name of the hike, few people hike to it. Instead they cinch their packs and climb the steep way up to the lookout. If you're lucky, and no one is there before you, you can even stay the night in the lookout cabin. With windows all around, the view is jaw-dropping. Glacier Peak, Mt. Rainier, the Stehekin Valley, and dozens of serrated peaks of the North Cascades surround you.

You can also camp near the ridge or at Hidden Lake. Do note if you plan to camp at the lake, you will need a backcountry permit from North Cascades National Park. The ridge and the lookout, however, are in the national forest. 

More Information

The trail and lookout out are in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and you can check out conditions at the Marblemount Ranger Station (360) 873-4500. To camp at Hidden Lake, you need a backcountry permit from North Cascades National Park (360) 569-HIKE. Guidebook: Day Hiking North Cascades by Craig Romano (Mountaineers Books). 

Driving Directions

Take the North Cascades Highway 20 to Marblemount and veer off onto the Cascade River Road. Go 10 miles to FR 1540 and turn left (there should be a sign for Hidden Lake Peak). Drive FR 1540 4.7 miles to road's end. Northwest Forest Pass required.