Lookout Mountain Lookout

About

Lookout Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower situated within the Glacier Peak Wilderness in Washington's North Cascades. Built in 1962 to replace the original 1929 structure, it sits atop its namesake peak and provides sweeping panoramic views of Teebone Ridge, Hidden Lake Peak, and Eldorado Peak. The lookout is open to the public year-round, though access is limited by road and trail conditions. Reaching the lookout requires hiking the Lookout Mountain-Monogram Lake Trail #743, a steep 4.7-mile route that climbs through dense timber before emerging into high alpine meadows. The trail is usually snow-free by late July. Due to structural concerns, visitors are limited to two people per side of the catwalk to prevent collapse. Overnight stays are permitted on a first-come, first-served basis with a recommended maximum of two nights. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, bringing sleeping bags, food, water, and lighting. There are no toilets at the lookout; all human waste must be packed out. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/annual) is required for vehicles parked at the trailhead.

Directions

From Sedro-Woolley, WA, take WA-20 East for 40 miles. Cross the Skagit River bridge at Marblemount and continue onto the graveled Cascade River Road for 5.7 miles to the trailhead. Hike the Lookout Mountain-Monogram Lake Trail #743 for 4.7 miles to the lookout.