This is an easy lookout, as they go, and the views of Baker from the upper trail are almost as good as from the lookout. The cabin is in good condition, and its perch offers great views of the surrounding mountains.
Photos: [Top] Sunset over Puget Sound and the Nooksack River valley. [Bottom] Steve writes his entry in the lookout's log before departing.
The trail is well-pounded by climbers, angling its way up through forest for the first 2 miles, finally emerging at Morovitz Meadows and an excellent view of Mt. Baker. The trail junction makes a nice rest stop before continuing either direction. The climbing parties go right; lookout junkies go left to cross a tributary of Rocky Creek.
At 2.6 miles is the turnoff to Cathedral Camp and Mazama Park. From the lookout you will be able to see Mazama Park's scenic shelter and the Baker Pass trail. Cross a meadow strewn with volcanic boulders, and pass some small tarns, the last water. In less than a mile from Cathedral Crag, you're at the lookout.
Mt. Baker's summit looms (forgive the cliche) about 5400' over 5300' Park Butte, with steam venting visibly from the active crator. The North Cascades span the distant horizon, and Glacier Peak is visible. The Twin Sisters Mountain Range is right across the Nooksack River to the west. Puget Sound and Vancouver Island are visible down the valley. We could hear the occasional icefall from the Deming Glacier. A lightning storm crossed the Cascades north of us, thankfully, near the Canadian border. We had an excellent sunset and views of moonlit Baker, until the clouds moved in over us, too.
The lookout is well maintained, thanks to the work of volunteers (see below). Bring a book to leave in the lookout's library, and pack plenty of film. Several day-hikers came through late in the afternoon, including a father and son who have been hiking together to the lookout annually since 1979. They brought their significant others, and the group turned out to be some of the more interesting hikers I've met at a lookout.
Stats: 3.3 miles, elevation gain 2000'. Lookout elevation 5300'. The lookout is technically within the Wilderness, but the trail crosses the Mt. Baker NRA, in which camping restrictions apply. Check "Where to call" for more information.
Getting there: Drive to Baker Lake and take Forest Road 12 to FR 13. Park at the trailhead.
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. The lookout is not a safe place for children.
8/97