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.
Flood Warning issued March 17 at 9:34PM PDT until March 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
Light to periodically moderate rain is expected for the lower Stehekin Valley this week along with melting snow as temperatures warm into the 40s and 50s. Flows in rivers will increase quickly and reach critical levels. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues for the lower Stehekin Valley. * WHERE...A portion of North Central Washington, including the following county, Chelan. * WHEN...Until 1100 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...When the Stehekin River gauge hits 19.3 feet, water breaches the river bank. At 20 feet, water inundates some properties and overtops the temporary corduroy bridge. Company Creek Road begins to flood in places at the northern end and Battalion Creek culverts are beginning to be overtopped. At 20.5 feet, water begins to damage Wood Road. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 924 PM PDT, the Stehekin River is at 19.9 feet. River levels will continue to rise through the week with an expected crest of 22.9 feet on Saturday. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $95 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 0ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 0ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| contact@tread-cw.org | |
| Phone | +1 (509) 860-4267 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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