Hiking Lookout Mountain in the North Cascades
Contents
Lookout Mountain Hike Information
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 13.80Km (8.60 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,350m (4,430 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 1,734m (5,689 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 19.57%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~June to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Lookout Mountain Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 48°32’13.1″N 121°17’45.3″W
Lookout Mountain Overview
Lookout Mountain is a peak located slightly west of the North Cascades National Park in Washington, offering 360 degree views from the namesake fire lookout found on the summit. Thanks to a number of world class hikes nearby (Sahale Arm, Hidden Lakes), Lookout Mountain often gets overlooked, with cars passing by the trailhead along Cascade River Road, not realizing it is even there.
To be blunt, Lookout Mountain isn’t in the same league as either of the aforementioned hikes in the area, with substantial elevation gain required to reach a fairly modest summit, and practically the entire hike takes place in the forest. Even from the top, while the views are indeed panoramic with a plethora of mountains on display, none of the usual North Cascade peaks are particularly close by, so the views are somewhat muted.
The Lookout Mountain fire lookout is a 1960’s rebuild of the original 1920’s structure. There’s a small historical exhibit within the lookout, and hikers are able to stay overnight on a FCFS basis. There are two small beds within the lookout and likely room for a few more on the floor. While this isn’t a popular hike with the masses, it’s still busy enough that there is a good chance there are already people staying overnight, especially on a weekend. You may want to bring a tent to camp outside just in case.
Accessing the trailhead is straightforward and suitable for all vehicles. There is a small parking area along the Cascade River Road, which is paved up until this point.
In terms of seasonality, Lookout Mountain is typically a summer hike once the snow has receded, so likely June to October. This hike traverses across multiple steep slopes that would be incredibly challenging in snow.
Dogs are allowed on this hike given it does not enter the North Cascades National Park.
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Is Lookout Mountain worthwhile?
Lookout Mountain is mostly a long forest grind to a fire lookout with decent views from the top. If you are a person that is looking to stay overnight in a historic fire lookout, this fits the bill nicely (though there are far better fire lookouts to stay over in, namely Winchester Mountain, Hidden Lakes or Park Butte, to name a few). Most day hikers will still enjoy Lookout Mountain, however there are far better hikes to spend your time with than this on a peak summer day. It does, however, make for a decent shoulder season climb, when higher peaks might be snow covered. It offers easy access, a simple climb up and reasonable views. It’s also a very good workout to maintain your fitness, given there is nothing to see along the way, a well maintained trail, and lots of elevation gain.
How difficult is the hike to Lookout Mountain?
While the stats might seem quite challenging, this is one of the easier “difficult” hikes you will do. The trail climbs at a consistent gradient practically the entire time, never exceedingly steep, but rarely flat either. Quick parties can be on the summit in 2 – 3 hours, and back down at the car in under 5. Most parties will probably take between 5 – 7 hours round trip though.
Technically speaking this is a simple trail assuming you don’t encounter any snow along the way. Much of the trail towards the end traverses a narrow trail across steep slopes, so snow/ice here could be difficult and may even require crampons and an ice axe. In typical summer conditions, however, it’s all straightforward.
Lookout Mountain Route Information
The trailhead for Lookout Mountain is from a small parking lot along Cascade River Road (see coordinates). The road is paved up to this point, so any vehicle can make it. There have been some reports of theft at this parking lot, particularly for those parking overnight, so make sure not to leave any valuables in your car.
On the opposite side of the road to the parking lot you’ll find the trail leading into the forest. This is not a trail that requires a lot of thought or focus, with just one junction the whole way to the summit that is well signposted. It’s your typical Washington trail of endless switchbacks. Boring, but effective.
You’ll rapidly gain elevation, and the gradient is never particularly steep. Most fit parties will be able to hike the whole way to the top without having to stop for a breather, though of course there’s no harm in taking your time.
After an unholy amount of switchbacks, gaining around 850m (2,789 Ft.) over 4km (2.5 Miles) all in the forest (some of which is quite pleasant), you’ll reach the Monogram Lake junction. Ignoring this junction, around another kilometer later (0.6 Miles) you’ll break out of the forest and find yourself on some open meadows following a now rocky trail. You’ll get your first glimpses of the fire lookout here, which doesn’t look too far now.
You’ll now traverse across this meadow, with views to the south opening up as you do so. As you continue climbing, you might think you’re almost at the top, however the trail takes a turn to the southeast, away from the lookout, before following a long switchback to the north. In short order you’ll see the fire lookout, which is on the summit of Lookout Mountain.
Climbing to the top of the tower is simple enough, and there’s a wraparound balcony to walk around to enjoy all the views once you’re at the top. Those with a particular fear of heights might find this a little uneasy as the fence on the balcony isn’t the highest. Of course, you can always go inside the lookout, where you’ll find some history exhibits, peak identifying photography, a couple of beds and the usual lookout paraphernalia. If you’re planning on staying the night, you’d best reserve your bed now if possible.
From the lookout you’ll see a number of peaks, such as Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Eldorado Peak, Mount Despair, Mount Triumph, the Southern Pickets, Little Devil Peak and plenty more. Once you’ve rested up and seen enough, it’s time to head back down. The hike back out is a rather boring plod in the forest that most parties just try to get over with as soon as possible.
When should I hike Lookout Mountain?
June to October is the peak season for Lookout Mountain, though in early June you may still encounter snow.
Top Tip
If you plan on staying the night in the lookout you should bring a tent just in case there is another party already there. Arriving early will give you the best odds of snagging the beds.
This might be a good hike for a hot summer day, as it is almost entirely in the shade. It’s also a good “fitness builder” of a hike, with lots of elevation gain on an easy trail.
