Drive up has a few potholes but is passable is most vehicles. Arrived around 09:15 to several parking spots still available.

First stretch of trail gradually slipped upwards through the woods with occasional puddles. Then there was a moderately steep section of switchbacks. They were steep enough for me to take a breather every now and then but not so steep as to be unpleasant. The trail then had some stream crossings which were no problem on the way up but grew in flow throughout the day.

Then the trail opened up into some beautiful alpine meadows before making a final climb to the summit of the butte. The peak afforded some fantastic view of the nearby mountains, valleys, and meadows.

Overall, the hike offered fantastic views and variety for only moderate effort. Definitely recommend this hike.

Can't believe, after all those years in this State and never visited this Lookout before. Its a beautiful hike, open meadow, Mountain View on a clear day, tarns, river/stream crossing and what could have been an amazing opportunity to see a bear (heard from everyone but unfortunately didnt see it). Also happened to be a really warm shoulder season day. 

Easy to see why this is one of the more popular trails in the state. Manageable stats for a day hike, with stunning views and tons of variety leading to a historic lookout. Babbling rivers, berries, wildlife, high alpine meadows and forests with huge views.

Trail starts out with a gentle meadow hike until you get to the river crossings, which is about the only real test of this trail. The first crossing has no bridges, but is easy enough to rock hop down a bit from the trail in the morning. In the evening, it was raging with no safe crossing short of just eating wet shoes, something we had prepared ourselves for on the way up. At least by today's conditions this crossing is not safe for children to cross in the evening; on this hot day the river was way higher than any video I've seen of it, and after spending 30 minutes going up and down the river bed just deciding to ford it. If you do this with kids, go early and on a cooler day.

Past this initial crossing, there is a second. There is still a bridge in place for this which makes this a breeze, I would not attempt in the evening without it. Past the second bridge crossing, the trail climbs gently through a forest, providing welcome shade. We encountered a treed bear near the end of the switchbacks who had apparently been there hours and was there for hours more by other reports.

Once you break out of the forest switchbacks, the trail has very little shade and is pretty exposed. You'll climb gradually up through another meadow with marmots loudly announcing your arrival before beginning a steeper climb up to the lookout. Views here are incredible, Mt. Baker towers above you and much of the southern Cascades are visible. The lookout is earned on a final approach, a welcome sight after the exposed climb. Soak in the views from here before heading down, carefully navigating the higher river crossings on your way down.

This may be my new favorite as it seems like this one has everything: meadows, ridges, lookouts, rivers, alpine lakes, marmots, pika, birds, and of course Baker. I'll definitely have to come back on a more clear day, but still enjoyed a lovely first day of Fall.

The road up is mostly good, but 1.5 miles from the trailhead there are a couple of rough spots that were no issue for high clearance, but lower clearance vehicles will have to take it slow. Got to the trailhead around 9:30am on a Sunday to several spots open - likely from overnighters who left.

The first river crossing is the most technically difficult part of the trail, but otherwise this is a well maintained trail. Many thanks to the Skagit Alpine Club for the fresh coat of paint on the lookout!

My watch recorded 8 miles roundtrip and while I encountered quite a few groups, it felt like I had the whole trail to myself.

Can confirm that clockwise on this loop is beautiful! Gorgeous views of the Cascades and a gentle wander up the mountain. If you like bridges, there are a few on the trail loop and one very fun, bouncy bridge. Certain plants are a little stinky this time of the year but lots of foliage and wildlife to be seen. Butterflies and other pollinators were busy! Hawks and other small birds were higher up the mountain. Mushrooms were out in force! Small adolescent bear was unusually close to the trail but peacefully wandered away, perfectly happy to mind its own business.