Winchester Lookout
The lookout is locked and closed to public use from November through May. It reopens in June or when conditions allow. Steep snowfields on the trail typically require an ice axe well into July. The Twin Lakes Road may be impassable early in the season, requiring parking at the Tomyhoi Lake Trailhead and adding 2 miles to the hike.
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.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Firewood permits now available for online purchase
Forest Service News Release Firewood permits now available for online purchase (Everett, WA, May 20, 2026) — Firewood permits on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are now available through a new online e-Permit system. This option allows users to obtain permits from a computer or…
Mt. Baker Highway SR 542 closed 7:15-11:30 Sunday, May 24, 2026
Mt. Baker Highway State Route 542 will be CLOSED to all traffic in both directions Sunday, May 24, 7:15 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. for the annual Ski to Sea multi-sport relay race between @MP 35 (Canyon Creek Road #31) and MP 54.7 (Bagley Lakes Trailhead). During the closure timeframe there will be no…
Expect Delays on Foss River Road, Skykomish District
Visitors accessing Foss River Road (Forest Service Road 68) should expect 30-minute delays beginning May 4 through September. Road construction will be on week days between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 pm. For further information, contact the Skykomish Ranger Station.
Suiattle River Road Washout Closure
The Suiattle River Road (FSR 26) and other roads within the watershed were severely damaged from an atmospheric river flood event. The Suiattle River Road (at milepost 4) and associated spur roads are closed for public safety.
Mountain Loop Highway closed for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground
The Mountain Loop Highway on Darrington Ranger District is now closed to motor vehicles for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground. Timing of re-opening in the spring depends on weather but typically occurs in mid-May.
Fairfax Bridge Permanently Closed
The Fairfax Bridge on State Highway 165 (milepost 11.5) across the Carbon River has been permanently closed by Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) due to safety concerns. The bridge closure prevents vehicle access to Forest Road 7810, Summit Lake Trailhead, Coplay Lake, and Evans Creek…
Forest Service Roads #23 (White Chuck Road) and #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) Closed
Road damage caused by the December floods, along with their proximity to the river, makes public access unsafe. A temporary closure has been established on Forest Service Road #23 (White Chuck Road) from milepost 3.7 to its terminus with Forest Service Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) and on Forest…
Middle Fork Camping Closure
Dispersed camping is prohibited along part of Forest Road 56 and 5640, in a corridor adjacent to the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. The purpose of the camping restriction is to reduce recreation-related impacts to: 1) riparian areas and 2) the recreation experience for day-use…
Camping Restrictions
This order sets limits on how long people can camp in one place to protect natural resources, protect visitor health, and ensure all visitors have a fair chance to use camping areas and available facilities. You can camp no more than 14 days in a row at the same spot outside developed…
Entire Forest Under Food Storage Order
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has a food storage order in effect across the entire Forest. This order requires visitors to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants. The food storage…
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).
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 |
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