Some of my all time favorite hikes in Washington are to the historic fire lookouts. Unfortunately, most of them aren’t accessible until early summer when the higher elevation trails are finally free of snow. Mount Pilchuck however is an exception to the rule! Although snow sticks around on the upper reaches of Mount Pilchuck through the spring, people generally start forging a path up to the lookout as soon as the road is clear. Before heading out on a spring hike up to Mount Pilchuck, please check for trail reports on the Washington Trails Association website. If it looks like people are making it safely up to the lookout, pack extra layers, your micro-spikes, common sense, and follow in the path of those that came before you!

Distance: 5.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft.

FYI: Camping at the lookout, like most fire lookouts in Washington is on a first come first serve basis. There is no bed or sleeping platform at the Mount Pilchuck lookout.

Spending The Night: The general rule for Washington fire lookouts is that if they are not staffed or available for rental, they are open to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. If your heart is set on camping, I’d highly suggest bringing a tent or hammock in case the lookout is already full.