Heybrook Ridge, Heybrook Lookout — Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

This hike was a traverse along the ridge under the power poles. There are plenty of trip reports on both the Ridge and the Lookout, so this is basically a report on how to do the traverse. The previous report on this used mileage, but I have a different way. After hiking up to the Ridge viewpoint, we continued on under the powerlines to the Lookout trail. Here's how we did it. Last time I did this, I counted the power poles, so I know there are 6 poles before you get to the cutoff trail leading to the Lookout trail. Start the count at the pole just east of the Ridge trail. There are ups and downs along an old access road, but mostly it is a gradual up. The trail becomes a brushy overgrown bootpath once you pass the turnoff for the viewpoint of Sunset Falls (by the large pile of logs). Beware of a few ankle twisting holes under the salal. Once you pass the 6th pole, the trail turns to the right, heads up the ridge and then goes down to connect to the Lookout trail. Today there was pink flagging tape on the pole, but it may not stay there. When you hit the Lookout trail, make a note of where the turnoff is, it is easy to miss on the way down. Watch for the distinctive snag on the right (picture posted). You can do this the opposite way too if you prefer. About 7.5 miles 1000' gain. Good winter conditioner, we were pretty darn tired, but then we are the hiking grandmas!