Winchester Lookout

About

Winchester Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower built in 1935, perched high in the Mt. Baker Wilderness with sweeping views of the Northern Picket Range and Canadian Peaks. The structure is maintained by Mt. Baker Hiking Club volunteers and offers a unique overnight shelter experience for backcountry enthusiasts willing to make the steep hike. The lookout operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available. Two nights is the recommended maximum stay. Access is via Winchester Mountain Trail #685, which gains approximately 1,300 feet in elevation. Steep snowfields on the trail typically require an ice axe well into July. The Twin Lakes Road may not be drivable to the trailhead; when impassable, hikers must park at the Yellow Aster/Tomyhoi Lake Trailhead, adding 2 miles to the hike. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, bringing sleeping bags, food, water, lanterns, and fuel. A propane stove is supplied at the lookout. There are no restrooms or potable water available. Campfires are prohibited under wilderness regulations. Food must be stored in provided rodent-proof containers, and all garbage must be packed out. A tent is advisable in case the lookout is already occupied.

Directions

Take Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542) to Twin Lakes Road #3065 in the North Fork Nooksack area. Drive Twin Lakes Road to the Winchester Mountain Trailhead. If Twin Lakes Road is impassable, park at the Yellow Aster/Tomyhoi Lake Trailhead and add approximately 2 miles to the hike. Access the lookout via Winchester Mountain Trail #685 (hikers only).