Heybrook Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout typically operates seasonally with access potentially impacted by snow in October and winter months. Keys must be picked up from the Skykomish Ranger Station. Reservations are limited to a maximum of 2 consecutive days.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Mountain Loop Highway Closed Due to Landslide
A landslide is blocking the Mountain Loop Highway at milepost 37.5, about 15.5 miles south of Darrington. There is no access to Forest Service Road 49 and N. Fork Sauk and Sloan Creek trails.
Hazardous Conditions likely across Forest
Update December 15th, 2025Hazard Alert: National Forest Roads &Trails
Mountain Loop Highway and Mt. Pilchuck Rd Closed for Winter!
A 14-mile section of the Mountain Loop Highway is closed to vehicles due to snow and road conditions between the Deer Creek and Bedal gates.
Franklin Falls Sno-Park Closed this Winter
The Franklin Falls Sno-Park will not operate this winter, and the Denny Creek Road (Forest Service Road 58) will be closed to motorized traffic. The Denny Creek Road and parking lot at Franklin Falls will not be plowed.
Mountain Loop Highway closed for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground
The Mountain Loop Highway on Darrington Ranger District is now closed to motor vehicles for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground. Timing of re-opening in the spring depends on weather but typically occurs in mid-May.
Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) Work
Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) work has been completed. The road is open and passable to the Canyon Creek Bridge at milepost 8.5.
Fairfax Bridge Permanently Closed
The Fairfax Bridge on State Highway 165 (milepost 11.5) across the Carbon River has been permanently closed by Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) due to safety concerns.
FSR 23 and FSR 27 Closure Order
This alert is to announce the closures of Forest System Road #23 (White Chuck Road) from milepost 3.7 to its terminus with Forest System Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) and Forest System Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) from milepost 4 to its terminus with Forest System Road #23 (White Chuck Road).&nb
Middle Fork Camping Closure
A dispersed camping closure along part of Forest Road 56 and Forest Road 5640 went into effect June 1st. Attached is the closure order and map. The decision to close dispersed camping stems from the 2017 Wild and Scenic River designation of the Middle Fork River.
Camping Restrictions
Camping for a total of 28 days, per calendar year, on National Forest System lands outside of a developed campground is prohibited. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]
Alcohol Prohibitions
Possessing a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, by anyperson under 21 years of age is prohibited. 36 CFR § 261.58(bb)Providing or selling a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, to
Entire Forest Under Food Storage Order
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has a food storage order in effect across the entire Forest. This order requires visitors to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF) to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants.
About
Heybrook Lookout is one of only 106 remaining fire lookouts in Washington State, perched atop its namesake ridge at 1,700 feet elevation. The current 67-foot tower was constructed in 1964, replacing earlier versions dating back to a simple tent platform in 1925. This historic rental facility offers a unique overnight experience with spectacular views of Mount Index and Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Baring, Mount Persis, and the Wild Sky Wilderness. The 14x14-foot lookout cabin sleeps four people and is furnished with one twin bed with mattress, two additional floor mattresses, a table and chairs, propane stove, basic cooking equipment, and battery-operated lanterns. A primitive vault toilet is located several hundred feet down the ridge, and a picnic table sits at the base of the tower. Guests must pack in all water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as none is available on-site. Access requires a 1-mile hike from the trailhead on Highway 2, gaining 900 feet in elevation, followed by an 84-step climb to reach the main cabin. Keys must be picked up from the Skykomish Ranger Station prior to arrival. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and birding, with black bears, bobcats, elk, and bald eagles commonly seen. Nearby attractions include Deception Falls, Lake Serene/Bridal Veil Falls trails, and the Iron Goat historic interpretive trail.
Directions
Drive U.S. Highway 2 for 2 miles east of the town of Index, just past milepost 37. Limited parking for the trailhead is located on the north side of the highway across from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest sign. From the trailhead, hike 1 mile to the lookout with 900 feet of elevation gain. Climb 84 steps to reach the main cabin.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (360) 677-2414 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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