This is a strenuous hike to a well-maintained lookout with excellent views of the Cascade River valley and glaciated peaks beyond. Foul weather turned our hike into something of a drudge; I hope to return on a clear day. This lookout, constructed in 1967, is more modern than most. The original, architecturally quirky lookout was built in 1929 and torn down in 1967. If it were standing today, it would qualify for the National Historic Registry.
Trail log-- Mile 1: Fog and low clouds at the trailhead. The trail starts straight up the hill. This was our first clue. At one mile my ears popped, we were gaining elevation so fast. Mile 2: It started raining. Pushed through drenched underbrush and relentless switchbacks. Mile 3: Filled up at the only reliable water on this hike, 2.5 miles, 3900'. Passed the turnoff for Monogram Lake at 2.9. It started raining harder. Mile 4: We had gained 3,500 feet in 3.5 miles when we came out of the old-growth forest into a steep meadow. Where there should be a view of the lookout, we saw only clouds. Mile 5: Just short of the summit, we were blasted briefly by sleet. Was there still a chance it could clear up? We pushed on.
Photo: Sunset strikes its last blow, hitting fog in the Cascade River valley.
We reached the lookout in 4 hours. The lookout cabin is on a tower, which is perched atop a butress of rock. The mountaintop was socked in with clouds, which were blowing past us on high winds. We were soon to be joined by Rick, Kirk, Lisa and Ann, from Bellingham. More wind, rain and sleet. They shared their stove (for reasons I don't care to admit, we were cooking on emergency fuel tabs), and we shared the lookout for the duration of the storm, which continued well into the night. The girls, novice hikers, didn't sleep well, and kept the rest of us up most of the night. Except Steve, who apparently sleeps through anything.
At sunset and at sunrise we had glimpses of the peaks, but never all at once. By noon, the clouds still had not cleared. We ate lunch, picked blueberries, and cleared out. The descent was steep and slippery, for an exhausting three hours. We had burgers at the Good Food Drive-In, Marblemount.
Getting there: Drive Highway 20 to Marblemount, then go 7 miles east on the Cascade River Road. Park alongside the road at the trailhead, which is easy to miss. Trail starts at the small sign.
Stats: 4.9 miles one way. Difficult. Trailhead elev. 1250', elevation gain 4500'. High point (the lookout) 5699'. Trailside camps at 1 mile and 2.5 miles. There is no water at the lookout.
Maintained by: This lookout is well maintained by the volunteer organization, Friends of Lookout Mountain Lookout (see "Where to call" for the number).
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.
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