Heybrook Lookout — Wednesday, May. 7, 2025

We had gotten the reservation to stay overnight in Heybrook Lookout.  We drove up from Seattle that morning, had some lunch in Index, and then drove up to the parking off Highway 2.  Being midweek, there were a few cars, but we parked right next to the trailhead, no problem.  I had over filled my pack, so had to take a fair amount of rest breaks along the trail - I had forgotten that there are a few portions that get a bit steep.  We got to the lookout and found everything in order.  The lookout itself is great!  We have stayed in several Washington lookouts, and this was the best stocked - everything we needed, including propane heat and cook burner, pots, silverware, lanterns, games and books, and a twin-size bed; next time I visit, I can make sure to pack a lot less.  We only had a couple of problems - the privy is all the way down the tower and then another 150 yards of windy trail in the woods, so if you want to go at night, be prepared for a dark hike!  Also, we had some knuckleheads show up at 4:30 am and ignore all the signs ("Lookout is occupied - quiet hours 10pm-7am"), and tried for ten minutes to force open the trap door from the observation deck to the cab (it locks from above).  Otherwise, everything was great - the views are stellar.  The hike back down was uneventful; we ran into several groups heading up.