Fire Lookout Map

There are few mountaintops in Washington that are accessible by such a short and easy trail.

There are few mountaintops in Washington that are accessible by such a short and easy trail. Red Top is a great trail for kids and for adults wanting a half-day hike in the Teanaways.

A look at a map will show that there are several ways to access Red Top. This description begins from the picnic area at the end of FR 9702 and begin on Trail #1364.1. This trail is steep but super short, gaining 350 feet in less than a mile. It winds in and out of old growth, wildflowers and desert-like terrain. Kids (and you) will delight in actually climbing a mountain and will be encouraged along the way by the fire lookout perched on top. Near the lookout, the area is a bit exposed, so please watch children here.

The lookout has been restored and is still used during fire season. In mid-to-late summer, you may be allowed inside if the lookout keeper is there. Fortunately, the views are just as good from the ground. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Rainier, the Stuart Range and the Teanaway and Cle Elum valleys.

What's more, this area is dotted with agates and thunder eggs, and you may be lucky enough to find one! Hikers can also proceed about a mile north to some agate beds. But beware that the area is pretty picked over, and you may be happier just spending more time at the lookout where the views are better anyway.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

Granite Mountain

One look at the parking lot midday on any summer weekend, and the obvious will jump out and bite you: the Granite Mountain Trail is the most heavily traveled summit path in the Snoqualmie Pass corridor. Of course, there is a good reason for that: it's spectacular. But it's also steep. Mind numbingly, thigh-burning steep. You'll climb a heel-blistering 3800 feet in 4.3 miles to an old fire lookout at the 5600-foot summit, with awesome views in all directions. Pack plenty of water, as there is no good source along the trail.

The trail starts out climbing. You'll hike away from the trailhead parking area through a lush old forest and gain a solid 800 feet in the first mile. At 1 mile the trail forks. Turn right off this relatively flat trail for some serious climbing (to Pratt Lake goes left).

In the next 0.5 mile the switchbacks are easy, if a bit steeper. But as you near 2 miles the switchbacks get tighter, the trail gets steeper, and the breathing gets more difficult. At 4000 feet elevation you'll get a breather as the trail angles across a tricky avalanche chute.

Caution: Early in the year the upper mountain is covered in snow and ice, and the upper slopes are VERY avalanche prone. If you're here any time before mid-June (most years), pause before crossing the chute and look up the gully. If there is still snow above you, be extremely careful--slides can happen at any time.

Once across, the trail starts climbing again. If you time your trek just right, you'll find huckleberries alongside the trail all the way to the ridge top. You'll also break out of the trees and start exploring wide, steeply slanted meadows. Bulbous beargrass fills these meadows in early summer, and when those white blooms disappear, lupine and paintbrush color the slopes red and blue.

At 5200 feet you'll crest the summit ridge, getting a brief reprieve from the ruthless climbing as you cross a meadow. You still have another 0.5 mile or so to cover along the ridge crest and then up the summit crown, but the hardest work is behind you. Get to the top and enjoy the 360-degree views from the lookout--on some weekends, volunteers open it up to visitors.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

Heybrook Lookout

Short and sweet and a tad bit steep, the hike to the restored Heybrook Lookout makes for a good spring warm-up or late fall frolic, when the surrounding high country is buried deep in snow. From the lookout's lofty balcony, scan the scenic Skykomish Valley, relish the rugged beauty of Ragged Ridge, and stand impressed by Mount Index's imposing facade.

Quickly leave the busy highway behind and enter a cool, mossy forest of second growth. After angling east at an easy grade, the way reverses direction and steepens. Via a series of tight switchbacks the trail meanders upward under an emerald canopy. Pass by giant cedar stumps, evi-dence of past logging. Their blackened scars confirm that even moist forests like this one are subject to fire.

Approach a series of boulders carpeted with moss. Swing east once again and crest the ridge, highway noise now replaced by thrush and wren song. In early season search the forest floor for signs of spring. A blooming trillium qualifies. Continue along the ridge on a gentler incline to eventually bust out of the forest on a ledge just below Heybrook's fire lookout. The views here are good, but they're far better from the top of the 67-foot lookout tower perched on the 1700-foot ridge.

Ascend seven sets of stairs and behold a supreme view of the Skykomish Valley spread below you. First, gaze east toward Stevens Pass and ominous Baring Mountain. Then look west to the forks of the Skykomish-mighty good white water down there. Finally draw your attention south to the massive and awesome rock wall known as Mount Index. Snowfields perpetually cling to its precipitous crags. Bridal Veil Falls careens out of a cleft housing Lake Serene.

The hike out is short so there's no need to return just yet. Hang around awhile and watch the evening sky cast a crimson hue on the impressive and imposing landmark Index. And don't forget to give thanks to the Everett Mountaineers for making all of this viewing possible. It was their idea and hard work that restored the 1964 lookout.

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Fire Lookout Hikes
Trail Work 2011

Hidden Lake Lookout

Simply spectacular! One of the finest hikes on the face of the planet, the trail to Hidden Lake Peaks grants continuous sensory overload. Sprawling meadows bursting with wildflowers, granite slabs and boulders laced with heather, glistening snowfields birthing tumbling waters, alpine nooks providing refuge to ptarmigans and pipits, a historical fire lookout, and views-stunning, mouth-gaping views of a serrated skyline of snow, ice, and rock. It doesn't get any better than this.

After starting in a clear-cut predating common sense, the trail soon enters unmolested forest where it begins to climb steeply. At about 1 mile leave the forested canopy be-hind for an avalanche chute filled with alder. Cross East Fork Sibley Creek and recommence climbing. While you're traversing the steep side slope that's often brushy and overgrown, showy flowers give some consolation as you slog. Biting flies, however, may diminish the blossom bonus.

At 2.5 miles the trail recrosses the creek (elev. 5200 ft) and begins angling south. Stop to admire Mount Baker hovering in the western sky. Now across heather slopes punctuated with shiny granite slabs funneling cascading snowmelt, enjoy increasing views and an alpine wonderland intensifying in beauty.

At 3 miles a potential hazard may exist. Early season, or some years all summer, a treacherously steep snow gully may be present. Extremely dangerous to cross without ice ax and appropriate skills, it may be necessary to call it quits, taking solace in prudence and a decent hike even to this point. If the coast is clear, proceed, enjoying heather meadows, glacier lily fields, snowfields dyed red (thanks to an algae), unhindered Cascade mountain views west and south, and territorial views of Hidden Lake Peaks to the east.

At 4.2 miles attain a 6600-foot saddle (and the North Cascades National Park boundary) between the 7088-foot true summit of Hidden Lake Peaks (to the left and a fairly easy scramble) and the 6890-foot knoll with the lookout (to the right). Hidden Lake is just below, a glorious backcountry body of water, its azure waters shimmering in the sun. It's a rough-and-tumble drop of 800 feet through talus to reach it. Instead, enjoy its beauty from above and the framing backdrop of impressive North Cascades summits- Eldorado, Forbidden, and Boston among them.

To reach the lookout, follow the trail right for 0.3 mile, climbing 300 feet over ledge and rock and possibly snow (use caution). Wow! Drink in views from Rainier to Baker and every peak, valley, and ridge between. Take time to appreciate the lookout too. Built in 1931, it was restored by Fred T. Darvill of the Skagit Alpine Club back in 1961. A tireless advocate for the North Cascades National Park, Darvill, who passed away in 2007, was the writer of an early guidebook that introduced me to this region back in 1985.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

High Rock

Savvy hikers seeking stellar 360-degree views know to look for lookouts. The old fire lookout cabins (sometimes cabins-atop-towers) used by the Forest Service in the pre-satellite radar days were always situated atop high peaks with outstanding views in all directions. The sole purpose of these high lonesome structures was to provide fire lookouts a panoramic view of a broad swath of mountains so they could watch for smoke. As such, the old fire lookout stations are wonderful hiking destinations, and unlike many of the old sites, High Rock still has its tower (which is still used in season). As great as the views are, though, the mountain itself is even more astounding. High Rock is one of the more impressive stone formations on which you're ever likely to sit, not so much for its sheer height (5700 feet) but for its sheer north face (about 600 feet straight down).

The trail begins near a clear-cut and rises 1400 feet through increasingly thin forest before opening to the grand spectacle at the top: a 1929-vintage fire lookout on the tip-top of what appears to be a massive, stone-walled ship's bow. Look straight ahead for one of the most magnificent views of Mount Rainier anywhere in Washington. Look straight down, about 1400 feet, for an overhead view of Cora Lake. You'll want to spend some time here watching Rainier make its own weather, which in turn performs magical shadow-and-light shows across the mountain's full south face; you see these displays in better detail here than from anywhere inside Mount Rainier National Park.

High Rock is a favorite early-morning and late-afternoon hangout for nature photographers. The fire lookout, the only one left in the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District (and one of only three in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest), is staffed in the summer.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

Fremont Lookout

The Mount Fremont Trail, an easy half-day hike from the popular (and spectacular) Sunrise area, is an extremely popular hike that can be combined with other Sunrise-area destinations for a full day of wandering among some of the most spectacular mountain and alpine parkland scenery in the United States. The old fire-watch tower at trail's end is dubbed the Fremont Lookout, but the stilted cabin actually sits on a secondary knoll, not the true summit, of Mount Fremont. That's okay, though, since the views from this historic structure are improved by its location at the more northern knob. On clear days, Glacier Peak, Mount Stuart, and even Mount Baker can be seen. If the air is too hazy for those distant views, watch the slopes around the north side of the ridge--mountain goats frequently rest on the slope as it drops off just past the trail's end.

The trail climbs to the top of Sourdough Ridge. At the Y-junction 0.2 mile out, go left and at the ridge-top junction at 0.3 mile, stay left again to hike west along the spine of Sourdough Ridge. At about 1 mile out, you pass a side trail on the right leading down to Forest Lake in Huckleberry Basin. Continue straight ahead (west) along the ridge top for 1.2 miles, passing small Frozen Lake. Watch for winking blond marmots in the rocks.

At lake's end is an intersection. Turn due north (right). It's an easy 1.3 miles through magnificent meadow and rugged rock-ridge terrain to the lookout, situated to keep watch on hundreds of miles of rolling green (or clear-cut) forest all the way to the central Cascades and Olympics.

If conditions are right, your binoculars might even find downtown Seattle. Look for the brown haze. Up closer, if your timing is right, you might see mountain goats. Excellent Rainier views, of course, tantalize you all along the route. Expect heavy traffic all summer long (many, many gapers) on this trail, which gains 800 feet one-way. It's a good family hike--even if you're here without a family.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

Oregon Butte

The views from the trailhead are great, and just get better for the next 1.5 miles as hikers approach the Oregon Butte Lookout as the full expanse of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness unfolds before them in a 360 degree radius.

The hike to the lookout is 3 miles roundtrip from the Teepee Trailhead. After 1 mile, the trail branches into lower and upper routes; the lower is more direct, shadier and newer. The higher route goes past West Butte, reconnects with the trail just before the spring. At a junction with Trail 3113/6114, bear right to the lookout, which is still staffed in summer. And don't miss the spring-fed log watering trough just below Oregon Butte.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

Sourdough Mountain

Grueling is the hike. Awesome are the views. Supreme is the experience. One of the most challenging trails in the North Cascades, the arduous haul to the historical lookout atop Sourdough Mountain is worth every ounce of sweat you'll expend. And you'll expend plenty. A mile straight up and 5.5 on the ground-can you say steep? But a priceless panorama of
craggy, spiraling, glacier-hugging, cloud-piercing, unbelievably breathtaking peaks are the payoff. And directly below is an added dividend-Diablo Lake's surreally turquoise-tinted waters.

From the lowly trailhead elevation, waste no time heading for the heavens. In thick timber switchback relentlessly, gaining 3000 feet in the first 2 miles. As you approach the North Cascades National Park, the grade eases somewhat, but it's still a bear. Thinning forest provides sneak peeks of surrounding peaks, a much needed enticement to push on.

At 4 miles (elev. 5000 ft) Sourdough Creek's cascading waters are a welcome sight, as more than likely your water supply is nearly spent. Hop across the energy-recharging creek and begin reaping the long-anticipated rewards of this hike. Traversing subalpine forest groves and sprawling meadows bursting with wildflowers, finally start enjoying your journey.

In-your-face views of Ruby Mountain, Pyramid Peak, and Colonial Peak and its massive glacier knock what little breath you have left right out of you. Diablo Lake's turquoise waters twinkle 1 mile directly below. One last set of switchbacks is all that's left between you and the lookout.

Reach the broad summit ridge of Sourdough Mountain and dart across lingering snowfields. Behold nearly the entire North Cascades kingdom before you. To the north are Mount Prophet, Hozomeen Mountain, Ross Lake, and the wilds of British Columbia. At nearly 9000 feet, Jack Mountain dominates the eastern horizon. To the south it's Colonial Peak and company, while the Picket Range commands your attention to the west.

The fire lookout was constructed in 1933 and is listed on the National Historical Lookout Register. It's still staffed in the summer. With Old Glory flapping defiantly in the mountain breezes, it is a sentry post bordering America's wild backcountry. Beatnik poet Philip Whalen worked a couple of summers on Sourdough as a lookout back in the 1950s. Talk about the ideal work environment! Linger long and rest up for the knee-jarring descent.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

Winchester Mountain

England may have Winchester Cathedral, but here in Washington State we have Winchester Mountain, in the natural cathedral of the North Cascades. From the restored lookout perched atop this heavenly peak, praise boundless beauty beaming before you. Sparkling lakes, shining snowfields, and rows of mountain spires separated by deep emerald valleys-simply divine. And best of all, just a little physical sacrifice is required on this moderate hike.

Beauty begins immediately. The trail takes off from between the Twin Lakes, a deep blue, icy-cold pair of subalpine aquatic gems. Despite the area's rugged appearance, the heather-lined lakeshores are quite fragile and have been trampled by gold- and view-seekers alike. Treat these lakes like the precious jewels they are.

Begin climbing through a "stand"of false hellebore, soon entering the Mount Baker Wilderness. Continue through stately hemlocks, and at about 0.25 mile come to a junction with the High Pass Trail. Bear left through blueberry patches, marmot playgrounds, and parklands carpeted in heather and garnished with anemones. Views grow. At about 1 mile come to a gully that harbors a dangerous snowfield well into summer. Cross with an ice ax or bypass it below if possible, otherwise return later in the season and go explore the lake basin instead.

The trail then traverses a steep slope high above the west Twin Lake before wrapping around the mountain to commence a short switchback shuffle to the 6521-foot summit. Old glory is usually flying in front of the restored lookout perched on the peak. Built in 1935, the lookout was scheduled for demolition in the early 1980s until the Mount Baker Club saved and restored it. Now the elegant structure is a popular place to spend the night.

Okay, enough about the lookout: how about those views? They're amazing! Look west to Baker and Yellow Aster Butte, north to Tomyhoi, Larrabee, American Border Peak, Canadian Border Peak, and into the snowy abyss known as British Columbia. East, pick out the Pickets among a prominent pack of North Cascades pinnacles. To the south Shuksan pokes its icy head up between the twin peaks of Goat Mountain. The Twin Lakes twinkle directly below.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

Alpine Lookout

This is one of the most popular hikes along the US 2 corridor, and it's easy to understand why: a historic and active fire lookout, an enclave for mountain goats, miles of flower-blooming meadows, jaw-slacking views of Lake Wenatchee, Glacier Peak, and hundreds of other peaks. It's amazing there aren't more hikers sunning themselves on this Nason Ridge summit. And being on one of the area's first high peaks to shed its winter snows, Alpine Lookout makes for an excellent early summer adventure. But a few blemishes make this well-esteemed hike less than perfect. The first 1.6 miles are quite steep. The next 3 miles are open to motorcycles. And the entire 5 miles is bone dry for much of the season. Get an early start, pack plenty of water, and avoid busy weekends.

Start hiking via the Round Mountain Trail, immediately climbing, and steeply. In 0.5 mile enter the edge of a 1990s burn (elev. 4600 ft). The scorched forest is recovering nicely. Silver snags stand surrounded by swaying strands of fireweed. Nuthatches and woodpeckers busily grocery shop up and down their weathered and withered trunks.

Enjoy views southeast over waves of forested ridges resembling the Blue Ridge Mountains of the American Southeast. The grade eases somewhat as the way reenters green forest after about 0.5 mile. Traverse pocket meadows before reaching the Nason Ridge Trail at 1.6 miles (elev. 5200 ft).

Turn left, following wheel-beaten tread along the high crest of Nason Ridge. Note that while most motorcyclists stick to the trail, a few renegades have veered off, leaving ugly scars in the fragile forest floor. Frustrating and disheartening. Best to cast your attention to the upcoming series of excellent window views to Glacier Peak and over Lake Wenatchee to set your mood back in positive territory.

Skirting the 5700-foot summit of Round Mountain, the trail moseys along, breaking out into open meadows (elev. 5500 ft) that provide splendid viewing west along Nason Ridge and south to the Chiwaukums. Undulating between forest and meadow, the trail reaches an elevation of 5600 feet before dipping to a small saddle (elev. 5450 ft).

Regain elevation lost and then some, following tread that at times is deeply eroded (blame the motorcycles). At 3.7 miles reach another small saddle, and then round a small knoll before emerging on a broad ridge. More meadows! More views! Gently climbing, the trail rounds yet another knoll (elev. 6100 ft) before dropping a couple hundred feet to rocky Ninemile Saddle at 4.5 miles. Overhanging and balancing rocks add intrigue to this rugged spot. Motorcycles are barred from continuing farther, but you aren't. Carry on, making one last climb.

Come to a signed junction. The main trail heads left to the high hinterlands of Nason Ridge. Take the spur right, reaching the Alpine Lookout after 0.3 mile. One of only a handful of lookouts still staffed in the Cascades, there's a good chance a real live lookout may be present.

But you have some looking out to do too. The views are amazing from this 6237-foot knob: Straight down to Lake Wenatchee and the oxbowing White River flowing into it. South to Big Jim, Snowgrass, Rainier, and Stuart. West to Hinman, Daniel, Jim Hill, Rock, Mastiff, and Howard. North to Sloan, the Poet Ridge, Buck, and Glacier. And east to the Entiat and Chelan ranges and the "rock chimneys" of Chiwawa Ridge. What a panorama! Hang around late in the day or arrive early in the morning, and perhaps you'll share this alpine splendor with the resident mountain goats.

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Fire Lookout Hikes

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