Washington / Chelan County / Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Tyee Lookout

Closed — Closed for the remainder of the 2025 season due to the Lower Sugarloaf Fire. Typically operates mid-June through mid-October when the access road is passable. Reservations open on a 6-month rolling basis.

About

Tyee Lookout sits at 6,654 feet elevation in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offering an authentic backcountry experience for adventurous visitors. Built in the 1950s and used by Forest Service personnel until the 1990s, this historic fire lookout has been renovated to provide basic overnight accommodations while maintaining its primitive character. The 16x16 cabin sleeps four on foam mattresses and includes LED strip lighting, a bench, and basic cleaning supplies. A portable toilet is located 30 yards away behind a privacy screen. The lookout provides spectacular 360-degree views including Stormy Mountain, numerous Alpine Lakes Wilderness peaks, and the Waterville Plateau to the east. The rocky summit is home to whitebark pine, a declining species. Access is challenging and not for casual visitors. The lookout requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with good tires to navigate the final 3.6 miles of FS Road 5713, which includes steep grades, sandy sections, loose rocks, and two rock ledges. Alternatively, visitors can hike the last 4 miles. The exposed mountain location brings frequent wind and cooler temperatures than valleys below, with steep drop-offs on two sides of the lookout. Nearby trails include Tyee Ridge and Billy Ridge, offering hiking, mountain biking, and dirt biking opportunities.

Directions

From the junction of Entiat River Road and Highway 97A, drive 10.1 miles north on Entiat River Road. Turn left on County Road 119A and cross the Entiat River. Drive 2.1 miles to the junction of FS Road 5700 and FS Road 5800; continue straight on FS Road 5700. Follow this single-lane paved road for 13.9 miles to the junction with FS Road 5713 (watch odometer, no sign). Turn right on FS Road 5713. The final 3.6 miles require high-clearance 4WD vehicle with good tires; extremely rough road with steep grades, sand, rocks, and two rock ledges.

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