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Washington › Whatcom County › Mount Baker National Recreation Area › Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Park Butte Lookout

Open

Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No fees at the lookout. Recreation Pass required at Park Butte Trailhead May 1 through October 31. Trail typically snow-covered into early summer. All human waste must be packed out; free blue bags available at Sedro Woolley Ranger Station or trailhead.

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 12:48PM PDT by NWS Seattle WA

July 20th, 12:48 PM — July 22nd, 9:00 AM

An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the Northwest Clean Air Agency until 9 AM PDT Wednesday. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Skagit and Whatcom Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday July 22nd at 9am due to expected wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, sensitive groups should take steps to reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. Everyone should watch for symptoms as a sign to reduce exposure. For current air quality conditions and additional information visit https://nwcleanairwa.gov

Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 10:23AM PDT by NWS Seattle WA

July 20th, 10:23 AM — July 22nd, 9:00 AM

An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the Northwest Clean Air Agency until 9 AM PDT Wednesday. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Skagit and Whatcom Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday July 22nd at 9am due to expected wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, sensitive groups should take steps to reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. Everyone should watch for symptoms as a sign to reduce exposure. For current air quality conditions and additional information visit www.nwcleanairwa.gov

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

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.

About

Park Butte Lookout is a historic fire lookout perched at 5,400 feet elevation within the Mt. Baker Wilderness, offering sweeping views of Mount Baker and the surrounding North Cascades. The original 1930s lookout was removed in 1964, but the site has been maintained through cooperative preservation efforts since 1984. The lookout is available for overnight use on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Access requires a 3.5-mile hike via Park Butte Trail 603, with the final half-mile climbing steeply to the lookout. A valid Recreation Pass is required at the trailhead from May 1 through October 31, and a Sno-Park Permit is required November 1 through April 30. The trail is typically snow-covered into early summer. This is a primitive wilderness experience with no facilities at the lookout. There are no toilets; all human waste must be packed out using free blue bags available at the ranger station or trailhead. No potable water is available; visitors must filter or treat water from nearby sources. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Maximum party size is 12, including any stock animals.

Directions

From 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). At mile 12, 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 3.5 miles via Park Butte Trail 603 to the lookout.

Nearby Campgrounds

Boulder Creek Campground 7.3mi Bayview Campground 8.6mi Panorama Point Campground 8.3mi Horseshoe Cove Campground 8.7mi Park Creek Campground 8.7mi Douglas Fir Campground 13mi Excelsior Group Camp 13mi Swift Creek Campground 9.0mi Maple Grove Campground 9.2mi

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed No
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
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 No

Contact

Phone +1 (360) 854-2553

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Useful Links

USFS Park Butte Lookout
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF Alerts

Photos

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