I've wanted to get to this Lookout for some time and finally made it happen today! Primary goal to get a little exercise and recon the parking and route so I have an idea where I'm going once there is snow on the ground. I'm going to include several GPS coordinates to help you way find as the coordinates listed on WTA are "close" but leave some guesswork. These may be helpful during the winter months for orienteering as I could see where there are opportunities to snowshoe/ski away from the road and make for a shorter trip.
- 48.39230, -119.84877 Buck Lookout Rd/Hwy 20 Intersection - About 1 mile East of the Loup Loup Summit just beyond the big horseshoe curve about 3/4 mile.
- Based off memory, there are a few spots plowed out w/in the 1/2 mile noted on WTA, but I don't recall the intersection being one of them-to be determined this winter!
- 48.42532, -119.84718 As described in the WTA description, this is the turn by the fir tree at 3.8 miles (elev 4960ft). I drove right by this as the cattle had pulled down the ribbon (tried to reattach, but suspect the cattle will have it down again!).
- 48.436579, -119.823958 Actual coordinates of the Lookout from Google Maps and confirmed via my GPS.
The road is typical unimproved forest service road in pretty good shape up to the 3.8 mile mark. At this point, there are several spots where the road gets steep and water has washed some significant gulleys and will be challenging to navigate. Possible to drive all the way to the lookout as the road is passable but there are areas near the top where a high clearance 4x4 will be required. I would not recommend taking a passenger vehicle past the 3.8 mile mark as there will be opportunity for lower profile vehicles (i.e subaru type of 4x4) will bottom out and risk undercarriage damage. There were several tracks from both ATV's, motorcycles, and trucks having made it to the top.
I parked at the fir tree as I still wanted to stretch my legs and get a short day hike in-mission accomplished!
An approaching weather system provided some sprinkles and occasional low cloud deck - in fact the lookout was closed out when I arrived but within 15 minutes the clouds parted and limited views were provided!
At this time of year, there were still a lot of cattle grazing in the area so be aware of the numerous piles of Bovine Fecal(cow poo) deposits on the road! Its fresh and its very organic!? lol Could be a slip hazard and will end up on your vehicle if you run over a pile!
Looking forward to make this trip once we have some snow on the ground!
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