Overnight Hike to Lookout Mountain Lookout

The hike to Lookout Mountain is 9.4 miles round-trip hike in the North Cascades with an elevation gain of 4500 ft. I hiked up around 5pm and stayed overnight in the lookout tower. The trail continues under tree cover for around three miles before reaching a meadow. The meadow is full of five foot tall overgrown brush which covers the trail completely. When raining, walking through this section will leave a hiker soaked via contact with the wet brush. The trail then returns to the trees before coming across a large creek crossing. Hiking poles are helpful while rock hopping across the creek. After this, the trail reaches a large green slope and switchbacks up the mountainside. Here, we saw a black bear below us in a meadow, but we were upwind so he did not notice us. After many steep switchbacks, the path crosses snow, however it can be avoided by walking a few feet off the trail. Finally after three hours, the lookout tower emerges from behind the trees. The final push is the stairs to the lookout. Within the lookout are two beds, a table, a stove, a bookshelf, storage containers, historic fire lookout gear, and other hiking gear. This hike is challenging, and requires hiking boots, rain gear (depending on weather), hiking poles, ample water (or water filter), and other basic hiking essentials such as a first aid kit. The 9.4 miles, all in the pouring rain, was worth the amazing overnight experience in the fire lookout.

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