Park Butte Lookout

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.