Hidden Lake Lookout

About

Hidden Lake Lookout is a historic fire lookout cabin built in 1931, standing at 6,890 feet elevation on a ridge marking the boundary between Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park. The lookout is maintained by volunteers and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and Hidden Lake below. The structure is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis for overnight stays, with no reservations or fees required. Reaching the lookout requires hiking the Hidden Lake Trail (Trail 745), a 4.5-mile one-way route gaining approximately 2,900 feet in elevation. The trail is rated moderate to strenuous and is for hikers only. Snow can persist well into summer, and early-season travel may require ice axes and route-finding skills. The access road (Forest Service Road 1540) is rough, steep, and prone to washouts; high-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended. There are no amenities at the lookout: no toilets, no potable water, and no established campsites. Visitors must pack out all human waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. Campfires are prohibited; backcountry stoves are required. Pets are allowed on leash in the National Forest portion but are prohibited in North Cascades National Park. Note that camping at Hidden Lake itself (within the park boundary) requires a backcountry permit and bear canisters.

Directions

From Marblemount, drive east on Highway 20 approximately 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Cascade River Road and continue about 10 miles, then turn left onto Forest Service Road 1540 (Hidden Lake Road). Follow FSR 1540 approximately 5 miles to the trailhead. Note: The road is rough, steep, and currently has washout damage; high-clearance 4WD strongly recommended.