Park Butte Lookout
Closed — Closed for winter season. Trail typically snow-covered and Forest Service roads to the trailhead impassable. Accessible approximately July through early October when snow melts and before winter shutters are closed. First-come, first-served.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Suiattle River Road Washout Closure
The Suiattle River Road (FSR 26) and other roads within the watershed were severely damaged from an atmospheric river flood event. The Suiattle River Road (at milepost 4) and associated spur roads are closed for public safety.
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. The area remains open for non-motorized winter recreation including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In addition to the Mountain Loop Highway,…
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. The Asahel Curtis and Annette Lake Sno-Parks will operate this winter.…
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.
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. The bridge closure prevents vehicle access to Forest Road 7810, Summit Lake Trailhead, Coplay Lake, and Evans Creek…
Forest Service Roads #23 (White Chuck Road) and #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) Closed
Road damage caused by the December floods, along with their proximity to the river, makes public access unsafe. A temporary closure has been established on Forest Service Road #23 (White Chuck Road) from milepost 3.7 to its terminus with Forest Service Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) and on Forest…
Middle Fork Camping Closure
A dispersed camping closure along part of Forest Road 56 and Forest Road 5640 went into effect June 1st. The decision to close dispersed camping - to reduce recreation-related impacts to riparian areas and the recreation experience for day-use visitors - stems 2017 Wild and Scenic River designation…
Camping Restrictions
The Forest Service has historically established stay limits when: resource damage is occurring, visitors cannot use facilities because of monopolization of a few, or persons are using sites as season-long residences. (FSM 2334.33) Stay prohibitions also respond to a need to protect visitor health…
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 to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants. The food storage…
Winter Storm Warning issued April 14 at 11:13AM PDT until April 15 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Seattle WA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 8 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King Counties, Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties, and Cascades of Southern King County. * WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy snow will be possible for areas above 2500 feet. The heaviest snow will fall Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
About
Park Butte Lookout stands as one of the North Cascades' most accessible and scenic fire lookouts, built in 1932 and continuously maintained by dedicated Skagit Alpine Club volunteers. Accessed via a 3.8-mile moderately steep trail from the Park Butte Trailhead, the lookout sits just inside the Mount Baker Wilderness boundary at an elevation that provides commanding views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters range, Glacier Peak, and Mount Rainier. The lookout is available for overnight stays on a first-come, first-served basis, typically accommodating multiple parties who share the space. The structure includes a metal bed platform, though visitors should bring their own sleeping gear. The surrounding alpine meadows, particularly Morovitz Meadows, burst with wildflowers during peak season and offer additional primitive camping options. Mount Baker climbing parties can be observed as small figures on the glacier, making this a prime spot for both hikers and mountaineering enthusiasts. The lookout operates seasonally, typically accessible from July through early October when snow melts and before winter storms force volunteers to close the shutters. Winter access requires significant mountaineering experience due to deep snow. Wilderness regulations apply, including a 12-person party size limit and prohibition of campfires. All waste must be packed out as no toilet facilities exist at the lookout.
Directions
From the Mt. Baker Ranger District office in Sedro-Woolley, follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left north on Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue 12 miles, then turn left onto FS Road 12. Travel 3.6 miles to the junction of FS Road 13. Stay right and follow FS Road 13 for 5.3 miles to the trailhead at road's end. Hike Park Butte Trail 603 for 3.8 miles to the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (360) 854-2553 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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