What a beautiful hike! The unpaved road is a long trip up, but very much passable for any car. My sedan made up just fine. We arrived a bit late (around 1 pm) and there were several cars parked at the trailhead, but still plenty of room to park!

We passed a few groups going down as we went up, but the trail was not busy at all. We had the fire lookout to ourselves. Final Apple Watch stats were 9 miles roundtrip and just under 3,000 ft elevation gain.

This hike has a ton of variety- forest, meadow, blueberry fields, the fire lookout, and of course, the incredible mountain views. The final mile up to the lookout is a tough one but so worth it for the 360 view. Bring hiking sticks for the walk down to save your knees. Don’t forget an extra layer if you plan to spend time by the lookout as it’s windy and exposed.

The red blueberry leaves, yellow foliage, variety of other colors, and the manh peaks make for a stunning walk. Come prepared to pick the ripe berries! This hike is now one of my top picks in WA.

Suiattle River road is dusty, washboarded and bumpy but once you turn onto Green Mountain road (FS 2680) the road is impeccable! I wish all trailhead roads were this nice... well graded and smooth with plentiful shoulder turnouts for passing. This trail gains 3000 feet in just over 4 miles making for some sustained steep hiking but the switchbacks are well built so it doesn't feel overly painful. The first mile and a half is forested and shaded before you hit the open slopes with full sun exposure for the majority of the hike, which was a relief from the heat on the way back down. There are several nice campsites about half way up but the only water source right now is a small stagnant pond/ tarn. All other creeks and streams that we saw were dry. After the campsites area the blueberries become plentiful and delicious, and we happily grazed our way up to the summit. The lookout is not open but you can walk half way around the catwalk and the views are incredible in every direction. Swarms of ladybugs covered everyone as we snacked and relaxed before heading back down. The reds and golds seemed brighter on the way back down due to the angle of the sun but the smoke from the nearby Sulphur complex fires was getting stronger making the air a bit hazy. We shared the trail this day with several groups but it didn't feel overly busy. A few hunters were out looking for bears and grouse. 

Disclaimers

Quick-and-dirty version

Access: Green Mountain Trailhead
Round Trip: 21.2 miles
Elevation Range: 3480'-7439'
Essential Gear: helmet, microspikes
Dog-Friendly: no on Mount Misch

The Trail

• Green Mountain Trail
  • Nicely maintained with minimal brush or debris
• Unofficial trail
  • It bypasses the lookout below the east and around Peak 6688 before becoming spotty above Lake 4882.
  • The path reappears west of Point 5890 above Horse Lake before fading around 6000' to 6200' on Mount Misch's south ridge.

Our Route

1. From the trail fork at 6100 feet below the lookout ridge, descend onto the east slope and follow cairns around Point 6082.
2. Stay on a faint path below the east of the ridgeline above Lake 4882 before going through Lake 5371 basin as the trail fades.
3. Continue cross-country northeast and locate a climber's trail over Point 5890 and follow it down to the 5400' saddle before rising to 6400' on Mount Misch's south ridge.
4. Traverse the southwest face and gradually drop 1200' into the southwest basin at 5200' and camp.
5. Climb Mount Misch via the southwest ridge and return to camp to head out.
6. [OPTIONAL] Spend second night in Lake 5371 basin. The grassy area around the middle pond (5280') is perfect. There are lots of tree debris around Lake 5371 shore and lots of brush around the lower pond.

Highlights

• Rare vistas inside the remote Glacier Peak Wilderness, including Dome Peak, Mount Chaval, and Mount Bruseth

Lowlights

• A long way to the camp basin below Mount Misch
• Morning clouds shifting through the area

Road was pretty good getting there, just be aware that the last 14 miles of the FS is unpaved/gravel.

Only 1 car at trailhead and 2 cars when I returned, could be because it was Monday.

This hike is well worth the trip out there, the scenery it just breath taking. The hike description was not playing around when it says once you reach the ponds its nothing but a mile of uphill to reach the lookout, the last 1/2 mile was exhausting but I am a medium level hiker so folks in more shape will certainly do better or go quicker up LOL The ponds is a good place to rest and get your energy refueled for the hike up to the lookout. It is well worth making it up there. 

Enjoy your hike

Out on a Friday.   Left Seattle at 7 am.  Trailhead at 9:40. Lookout at noon.

It was a cloudy/foggy day.  No views.  Much moisture on the plants.  The trail is mildly overgrown in places, so my pants got soaked on the way up.  I put on rain pants for the descent.

The trail is in great shape.  More surprisingly, the roads are too.  Mild washboard on the Suiattle River road, but no potholes to speak of.  

Flowers are a bit past, but still quite nice.  Lots of fireweed.  Saw one marmot, heard many more.