The Road:
The Drive to the trailhead is....doable. I was in a toyota corolla and if you're willing to grow a few grey hairs or sh*t a brick on the way up, then you'll be fine :-) I made it to the trailhead and there were a couple other bold 2wd people there as well. The worst part on the rd currently is about .5 miles up from cascade river rd. it's pretty rutted out/has pot holes and you'll likely bottom out unless you go carefully. I'd be nervous in a top heavy van, but any high clarence should be fine on this rd. There are previous reports of it being bad approx .5 miles from the trailhead. This patch was miraculously fixed but with the oncoming rain, I expect it to become a mud pit verry quickly.
The Hike:
Stay on the main trail please!! This hike is incredible. Not too overgrown, and beautiful all the way up. one of the main reasons it's so pretty is all the sensitive foliage on either side of the trail going up. It's super colorful currently and easily damaged. There are a lot of side trails and shortcuts all the way up that are damaging that foliage and causing erosion. Please stay on the main trail. The last section of trail to the saddle overlooking the lake is very rocky and there are lots of little trails going up, just follow the one that looks most established. The section from the saddle to the lookout is actually more established than I remember from years past and pretty easy to follow. Takes about 15 min going up and there's a little bit of boulder hopping at the top you'll need to traverse but not bad. It took me 2:45hrs up total, and 1:35hrs down.
The Lookout:
Please share the lookout!! It's getting kinda sad to see how many people feel entitled to the whole thing for themselves simply because "they got there first". I applaud the early morning grind to get there first but please be willing to share with others coming up. Yes everyone should bring a tent and be prepared to camp elsewhere (or on a flat rock just outside the lookout that's actually pretty legit and can fit 2 just fine), but in case of sucky weather or people who genuinely have come a long way or are just super excited to stay in the lookout on the floor....please invite them in! I've been up there with 9 people before. Yes it was stinky and humid and not the best nights sleep, but the people were genuine and fun and you may just meet a new friend / someone you connect with in New Zealand 3 years later (true story). You're not hiking up top to get a 5 star private cabin experience (if you are go to one of these fire lookouts you can rent in WA). please be nice and inviting to those who make the trek up. https://www.wta.org/news/magazine/features/what-you-need-to-know-about-spending-the-night-in-a-fire-lookout)
The lookout is in great shape (thanks volunteers) and might get shuttered soon for winter but to my knowledge remains unlocked all winter. Remember to hang your food high in the lookout or in the bins provided to keep Charlie the chipmunk and his two mice buddies away.
The Weather:
The sad truth to the foreseeable forecast is that fall is setting in quick. There's supposed to be rain this whole next week which equates to snow up at the lookout and harder conditions to traverse/trail find in. There was snow when I went up on the 21st that melted out and it can be super dangerous traversing the boulders. If you're going up after it's snowed, go well prepared, know your route, carry at least 3 litres of water, and be ready to turn around if it gets dicey.
Go prepared, leave no trace, meet some new people, and Have fun! Hard to tell how much longer magical places like these will be around.
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