Red Top Lookout
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.
Driving Directions:
From I-90, take exit 85 and go north on Hwy 97 north for 18 miles. Just past the Mineral Springs Campground go north on FR 9738. In 2.6 miles, go left on FR 9702. Drive 4.5 miles to the trailhead at the picnic area, elevation 5000 feet. NW Forest Pass required. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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FR 9702 was just about drivable with a low-clearance car. Reached the trailhead in the early afterno...
FR 9702 was just about drivable with a low-clearance car. Reached the trailhead in the early afternoon, and had a late lunch before walking up to the lookout.
The trail was in great condition, just short and steep. The lookout was locked, but the views from around the lookout were just as good. Encountered only two other parties. Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/eric.jain/RedTopLookoutJune2013 Tracklog: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/324934383 Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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After setting up camp at Mineral Springs CG, we drove to the Redtop TH. Wildflowers began in the par...
After setting up camp at Mineral Springs CG, we drove to the Redtop TH. Wildflowers began in the parking area. Larkspur, lupine, Jacob's Ladder, forget-me nots, yellow violets, western spring beauty, and ball-head waterleaf were some of the flowers seen. We went right at the junction with the trail to Red Top and the Agate beds making a counter-clockwise loop. The trail showed signs of recent work and was in excellent condition! Thank you! :)! We were the only ones on this loop, but there were 2 hikers who went to the agate beds. We spent almost 2 hours at the lookout area watching 2 male mountain bluebirds who appeared to be fighting over the territory! Their flight acrobatics were very fun to watch! From the top we saw a bear in the turn around area near the TH. We did not see it on our return to the TH.
Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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We were camping near Cle Elum lake and had just enough time for a short hike on Sunday before headin...
We were camping near Cle Elum lake and had just enough time for a short hike on Sunday before heading home. We opted for Red Top lookout since it's short and has great views on a clear day (which we were lucky enough to get). FR9738 and 9702 were rough going due to large potholes and small rockslides that were not yet cleared. We arrived at the parking lot at 3pm to find only 1 other car (only 2 more came while we hiked).
We quickly scrambled up to the first vista, just before the alpine outhouse. My kids (12 and 10) went no farther since it gets pretty dicey after that and the wind had picked up. Despite this trail being included in the "good for kids" category, I feel obligated to provide a warning: although it's short and has amazing views, it's very exposed toward the top and risky in windy conditions. Personally, I would not feel comfortable bringing younger kids or inexperienced hikers to the top. No snow anywhere on trail. Lots of butterflies! Note: sign at trailhead states 0.5 miles to the lookout so round trip is closer to 1 mile (not 2). For those who do make it to the top - you will be rewarded with bang for the buck - 360 views for not much effort. Enjoy! Day hike
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Although I would not recommend others try this, but the road is good enough for a Volvo S-60 Sedan!
...
Although I would not recommend others try this, but the road is good enough for a Volvo S-60 Sedan!
We had a great time hiking to the lookout and the agate beds today. Due the recent lightning storm, there was lots of activity in the lookout. The spotter had 21 fires located and we helped him find two more 0.7 mile north of the lookout near the agate beds! Day hike
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Weather was superb on this Labor Day weekend. The skies were clear with great views of Mt Rainier, M...
Weather was superb on this Labor Day weekend. The skies were clear with great views of Mt Rainier, Mt Stuart and the valleys.
It was warm, but pretty windy (could blow your hat off). A windbreaker shell could be useful if you feel uncomfortable with so much wind (not to insulate you from cold, because it was warm enough). Unfortunately we didn't see any wildflowers on the top, they were all drying out. We hiked with two kids aged 6 and 2. The older one had no problems hiking to the top, the youngster was carried in a Kelty FC 3.0. When you reach the top you want to watch the kids because the ridge is pretty narrow, the granite can be slippery, the wind blows hard, and the kids want to be heros. |
 Red Top Lookout. Photo by Dave H.
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