The hike is a good, moderate adventure, climbing through old-growth forests and up the hillside to the last remaining lookout above Stevens Pass. A few hours from Seattle, this 10-mile-round-trip trail climbs 2,600 feet before showing you a truly magnificent view from the top. Alpine LookoutĪbove Lake Wenatchee, the Alpine Lookout is a great option for those already in the region. The views at the lookout are impressive enough, but the true draw to this hike is the remoteness and solitude you’ll find. On this hike, you gain 1,400 feet of elevation, making it quite steep for the short distance-a pretty advanced hike. At just 2.8 miles round trip, the drive here may take you longer than the hike itself, but if you pair this with a trip to Leavenworth, it’ll be totally worth it. Located off Highway 2 north of the small town of Skykomish, the Evergreen Mountain Lookout is a remote destination that shows off forests and peaks of the region. Those who do make their way up will find an incredible view of the Puget Sound and North Cascades. There are some sections of scree and loose rock, so come prepared. The combo of gain and distance makes it a good trip for intermediate hikers. Found near Granite Falls a short drive from Highway 2, this short, 5.4-mile round trip hike is a little steep, gaining more than 2,000 feet. Two hours north of Seattle by car, the classic 2921 fire lookout on Mount Pilchuck is one that should not be missed. Getty Images/Mint Images RF Mount Pilchuck This is an easy trek and a perfect option for an adventure if you’re already in the area. ![]() During the summer months, the newly restored lookout is usually open during daytime hours, giving you a chance to see the inside of a working fire lookout. At just a mile and a half round trip and gaining only 350 feet in elevation, the views from the lookout at 5,360 feet above sea level are stunning. How to have a safe (and awesome) hiking trip in the Pacific Northwest Day hiking on Mount Rainier: An introductory guide 14 Washington State campgrounds with historic buildings to explore 18 wildflower hikes to explore near Seattle Red Top MountainĪlso on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, Red Top Mountain and Lookout is a classic trip, easy enough for families with kids. This is also a great hike for early season wildflowers, as it’s on the drier side of the mountains. The reward at the top is a classic fire lookout with impressive views of Lake Kachess and Mount Rainier. At nine miles round trip, gaining just 1,000 feet of elevation, this rolling trail gives you seemingly endless mountain views. It’ll take you two hours to get to the trailhead of Thorp Mountain from Seattle, but those who do make their way across Snoqualmie Pass to Cle Elum will find themselves in a wilderness paradise. Mount Rainier looms in the distance, while shimmering blue lakes surrounded by endless green trees can be seen below you. This hike is tough, and you’ll need plenty of food and water, but those who do make the summit will be rewarded with amazing views of the Cascades. At 8.6 miles round trip, the trail gains 3,800 feet, reaching a maximum elevation of 5,629 feet above sea level. While the drive itself is short, be ready for a steep climb to reach this fire lookout. Getty Images/500px Granite MountainĪ 47-mile drive from Seattle will put you on the trailhead to the Granite Mountain Lookout above I-90. Keep in mind that some are falling down and many have been vandalized in recent years, so practice Leave No Trace ethics and obey posted signs so all can enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re headed to Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, or Mount Rainier, these fire lookouts are sure to leave you in awe at the mountainous beauty of the Evergreen State. While you can hike and climb to all the remaining fire lookouts, there are a handful of great ones in the Cascade Mountains to get started on your adventure. After all, fire lookouts were placed for surveying as much of the area as possible. Today, they beckon adventurers up to the summits, where they can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Northwest. While the need and usefulness for fire lookouts has mostly been replaced with technology, the allure of the structures perched atop the peaks only grows with time. There are currently just 93 fire lookouts still standing in the state, down from the 750 that once topped mountain summits around the region. Originally used for exactly what their name states, today’s fire lookouts are dwindling in numbers. From Forest Service employees and Jack Kerouac to Instagram influencers and day hikers, Washington State’s fire lookouts have been a destination for the masses for decades.
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