The trailhead is located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the North Cascades area of Washington State off of Mountain Loop Highway. Sections are either paved, covered in gravel, or built on bridges full with even dirt. However, the trail is currently in poor condition, sections littered with dangerous broken rocks and tripping type roots, or places where the trail was simply washed out entirely. An old fire lookout sits atop giant boulders at the top of this mountain, which give 360 views of the . Hike the well-maintained Mount Pilchuck trail through old-growth forest and boulder fields. Total Distance: 5.2 miles Total Ascent: 2200ft Highest Point: 5324ft. Difficulty: Hard. The drive up to the start of the trail is a bit challenging because the dirt road was in terrible shape and we played dodge pothole! Difficulty: Moderate. After 2 miles, reach the Mountain Loop Highway. . Difficulty: Easy; Washington Hiking Features: Waterfalls, Rainforest, Hot Springs (Nearby Resort) . 12 reviews of Mount Pilchuck State Park "I've been on a few hikes in the North Cascades, Snoqualmie Pass, and Mt. Hike is moderate to difficult for novice hikers. The hike is very popular in the summer. This route climbs 684.5 with a max elevation of 1622.4 then descends -682.7. Mount Pilchuck Trail - North Cascades. 5.4 miles. The trail is usually snow-covered until midsummer and is very popular on a clear day. We began the trek up the 2200 feet of elevation gain in just under 3 miles and were soon huffing and puffing. Opened in the 1950s, Mount Pilchuck Ski Area operated for nearly 30 years before shutting down due to unreliable snow levels and land lease issues. This hike tends to be pretty crowded so hiking it on a weekday is a great idea. It is not far from Lake 22, another trail that we profiled. Pilchuck . Difficulty. Pilchuck Tree Farm Area Topo Map. Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics fill the skies around you. kgleason117 2 years, 2 months ago. Difficulty: Moderate; Length: 5.4 mi . Rated as moderately difficult, this Washington hiking trail is a 7.5-mile round trip with an elevation gain of around 1538 feet. Baker and is a perfect spot for both day hiking and backpacking. An old fire lookout sits atop giant boulders at the top of this mountain, which give 360 views of the . 4. 40.1 miles. 5. The site is filled with green vegetation and lots of rocks just by the shore. Day hike Trail Conditions Trail difficult/impossible to navigate: Trees down across trail, Difficult stream crossing (s), Bridge out, Muddy or wet trail. We had a large party ranging from an infant to a 76-year old. Best on a clear day. The challenge of a hiking up that difficult trail, with the reward of this amazing view. This route includes 2 trails. 3 Best Hikes in Washington: #2 Tolmie Peak. Mount Pilchuck Lookout is a 8492 intermediate route located near Lake Stevens Washington. . Why you should go: Jaw-dropping views of Rattlesnake Lake, Mount Washington, Mount Si, Chester Morse Lake, and the Cedar River Watershed. Rattlesnake Ledge. You will pass through another roundabout, but stay on Quarry Road. There is no parking pass or entry fee required and furry friends are allowed, but they must be on a leash. Mount Pilchuck. 4 Best Hikes in Washington: #3 Mt. Follow Highway 2 for about . Mount Pilchuck is a very popular hiking destination in the North Cascades despite the difficult, rocky climb to the top. The forest was a little spooky with the thick fog everywhere! Microspikes were handy. Time To Complete. Pilchuck yesterday and it was amazing! Though nothing notable remains of the ski area, history buffs and view-seekers won't be let down by Pilchuck's main attraction: a restored fire lookout, originally . To get there, take I-5 North to Exit 194. EVERETT - After conducting four rescues in one week, Snohomish County officials are warning the public against hiking on Mount Pilchuck unless they are well trained for steep snow conditions. A short 5.5 mile trail with elevation gain of 2,300 feet is rather steep and rocky. The Lake 22 hike length is about 5.4 miles out and back to reach the lake and 6.8 miles total if you complete the lake loop as well. Lake 22 Trail Description. From the top, hikers are rewarded with 360-degree views of surrounding . Mount Pilchuck's high trailhead (3,000 feet above sea level) gives hikers the chance to gain over 2,000 feet elevation in 2.6 miles. Road Road impassable/closed Bugs No bugs Snow Trail snow-covered at times - gear and expertise recommended Lookout at sunset Hiked 01/26/2022 - *Harsh winter conditions and difficult navigation. Mount Pilchuck is sometimes done as a scramble going up and down the east side or a scramble one way and a hike the other way. Simply beautiful. Even if it wasn't a long, difficult hike, it was a classic that I . Mount Pilchuck State Park: Beautiful hiking - See 16 traveler reviews, 15 candid photos, and great deals for Granite Falls, WA, at Tripadvisor. Driving Directions: Drive for 11 miles past Granite Falls until you reach Mt Pilchuck Road. Mt. . The trail becomes more difficult once you reach the boulder . 7 Best Hikes in Washington: #6 Mailbox Peak. Distance: 4.0 miles, roundtrip. Ask ginabeth about . Length: 5.4 miles, round-trip. Hike is moderate to difficult for novice hikers. But this also means that it is one of the busiest hikes, even if . Instead, peakery . Public Tracks. Located on Washington's Mountain Loop Highway in the North Cascades, Mount Pilchuck is sought by day hikers and overnight backpackers looking to camp in the historic fire lookout at the top. Pilchuck is a very popular hiking destination on the western edge of the Cascades, featuring a 5.4-mile out-and-back trail, which leads to an extremely scenic summit. Difficulty Level: Difficult. Hikers need a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at the trailhead. Ask ginabeth about . Pilchuck. Elevation Gain: 1160 ft. Route Type: Out and Back. There are several water crossings on this trail, and the terrain is very rocky in places, so it's best to wear sturdy hiking boots. . Mount Pilchuck Trail RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult 4.7 (42) Areas WA North Cascades Mt. EVERETT After conducting four rescues in one week, Snohomish County officials are warning the public against hiking on Mount Pilchuck unless they are well trained for steep snow conditions. At the top, you'll reach a lookout tower perched on Mount Pilchuck. The Lake is a good destination for people interested in . Located near mile 18 of the Centennial Trail, Lake Cassidy is an easy walking destination. Location: Mount Pilchuck State Park, 32.2 miles southeast of Arlington; Length: 6-mile round-trip out-and-back; Elevation Gain: 2,126 feet; Difficulty Rating: Difficult; Who is this hike for? Quite a few people had to turn around as they got closer to the top as the snow make it difficult to hike if you don't have the right shoes. It is made visible with a big sign and trail map. Pilchuck trail map. . The historic lookout tower is part of the appeal, but the real attraction are the million-dollar views. . Rattlesnake Ledge is a strong contender for the most popular hike around Seattle. Shorter conditioning hike to a fire lookout with 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics! . Track (3/15/20, 9:09:51AM) mcknzi 3 years, 12 months ago. Mt. Mt. The 5.4-mile round-trip trail up Mount Pilchuck, at the base of the North Cascades, is one of the most accessible and popular hikes off the Mountain Loop . markhadland@gmail.com - Jul 3, 2018 4:37 pm Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2017. Situated roughly 10 miles from Concrete, WA, Baker Lake offers stunning views of snow-capped Mt. Mount Pilchuck 5.4 Miles, Roundtrip. 5 Best Hikes in Washington: #4 Mt. 7 hike trails Region Status Open as of May 8, 2022 Local Trail Association Donate Trail Karma Hike Stats State Ranking #5,696 Trails (view details) 7 Total Distance 11 miles Total Descent Distance 1 mile Total Descent 341 ft Total Vertical 4,222 ft Reports 82 Photos 7 Ridden Counter 4 Popular Mount Pilchuck State Park Trails Routes A little freaky getting to and from the lookout, but well worth the effort. The trees bowed over with snow made the hike feel straight out of a Dr. Suess world. At the top is an incredible panoramic view of the Cascades, Olympics and Puget Sound. Most hikes will eventually start feeling like a chore to me, and get boring, but I legitimately enjoyed this trail! Difficulty: Easy/moderate. . We hoped that upon reaching the summit of the mountain at 5,324 feet we would find ourselves above the fog with glorious views of mountains floating above the clouds. It is a steep climb, and during the 2.7-mile hike up to the summit, you will reach over 2,100 feet in elevation and traverse over rocks, boulders, and uneven surfaces. The trail is 6 mi. This is a difficult hike, with 2,300ft elevation gain in only 2.7 mi (5.4 mi roundtrip), yet the views from the top are worth the effort! Difficulty: Easy; Pass/permit: Northwest Forest Pass; Dogs: Yes, leashed; Road access: Dirt forest road but 44 is not usually required; . Snow began midway of the traverse past the initial talus field. Mount Pilchuck. This hike ranks among the worst we've ever taken, and certainly seems much longer than the reported five mile round trip. Proceed 6.8 miles down this road and you will reach the parking lot, which is just off the trailhead and bathroom for Mount Pilchuck. You will find the starting point of the hike at the parking lot's north end. Hike: Mt. Credit: Joel Ray. The trail head can be reached from the Mount Pilchuck Road off the Mountain Loop Highway. to camp on the beach or spend the day exploringeither option is an excellent one when it comes to this spectacular trail. Difficulty: Moderate. 2 Best Hikes in Washington: #1 Kelly Butte Fire Lookout. Mt. Boundless-Journey 5 years, 4 months ago. 6 Best Hikes in Washington: #5 Blanca Lake. Pilchuck (Mountain Loop Highway) Start: Quarry Road off Highway 92 Difficulty: Moderate Length: 5.4 miles roundtrip. One of the most difficult hikes in the State Park system? Great mid-season hike up Pilchick. Hike & Mass: Mt Pilchuck (register by May 26) Friday, May 6, 2022; 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 16:00 17:00; . Aug 18 2020. Seasonality. Take Quarry Road 2 miles. On a clear day you can see mountains for miles. Started at 7:30 am. Easily one of the most rewarding hikes in the area, its relatively short 2.7 mile, 2,300 feet ascent gifts you 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics from its shelter lookout, which sits nestled on a summit that tops out around 5,300 feet. From the Getchell Trailhead, the walk to and from Lake Cassidy is about 2.5 miles roundtrip, while the Rhododendron Trailhead offers a shorter walk of approximately 1.25 miles total. Trail Guide: Link. Although the hike is just 6 miles round trip, it ascends over 2,100 feet in elevation and leads to an old fire lookout with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. On a clear day you can see mountains for miles. Mount Pilchuck. The Mount Pilchuck fire lookout hiking trail is one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes in Washington state. It can be completed in about 5 hours. Hiking info, trail maps, and 117 trip reports from Mount Pilchuck (5,340 ft) in the Cascades of Washington. Destination Distance From Downtown. Mount Pilchuck. Dog . Day Hike - Mount Pilchuck. The trail climbs through two miles of secondary growth . The 360 degree views up the top of the . Pilchuck. The hiking trail itself is in Mount Pilchuck State Park. Sure! The trail is free from snow between June and October. The trailhead is located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the North Cascades area of Washington State off of Mountain Loop Highway. round trip with a 2300 ft . Difficulty Rating: The Heather Lake Trail is a heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. This calf-friendly journey is all made possible by a high elevation trailhead . This hike primary route and has a moderate overall physical rating. Lime Kiln Trail Here is an unusual hike through a very mossy forest and along a narrow river canyon, past sites that were important in local history. Despite the difficulty and rocky climb to the summit, it is a popular hiking destination in the Cascades and offers 360-degree views on a clear day. Rattlesnake Ledge. Hiking info, trail maps, and 117 trip reports from Mount Pilchuck (5,340 ft) in the Cascades of Washington . This trail can be completed most of the year, and so I like to hike this trail in the early Spring. See all things to do. victorian biking. Both routes have a minimal elevation gain of about 50 feet. . Date of experience: August 2012. Route Supporters Trailforks Gold Routes Local Trail Association I would continue to see pictures on social media of picnics or overnights in the fire lookout shelter, built in 1921. Most of the terrain is pretty rocky too. From the beginning the hike was difficult, but at about 2 miles in . It is found on a 3,950ft elevation, within the Cascades forest. . Pilchuck Mt. This calf-friendly journey is all made possible by a high elevation trailhead . Take a right on this road and continue for 7 miles to the trailhead. Second only to Mount Si, it's estimated that Pilchuck sees 28,000 visitors each year. The trail is usually The historic lookout tower is part of the appeal, but the real attraction are the million-dollar views. Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics fill the [] 3h 43m Mount Pilchuck Trail is a challenging hike to an old fire lookout tower at the top of the mountain that offers panoramic views. Mount Pilchuck is a very popular hiking destination in the North Cascades despite the difficult, rocky climb to the top. Super great hike. Washington Hikes #9: Mount Pilchuck. Trail is super rocky after about the first mile. This peak stands well west of the main Cascades Range, and is easily seen from Puget Sound lowlands. This is a difficult hike, with 2,300ft elevation gain in only 2.7 mi (5.4 mi roundtrip), yet the views from the top are worth the effort! Baker Lake Baker Lake. Elevation Gain: 1160 ft. Route Type: Out and Back. There are a lot of pot holes and the road is washed out on the sides in a few places. Very beautiful in the snow. A thick fog engulfed the trail and there was a definite chill in the air as we set off from the trailhead for Mount Pilchuck. Date of experience: August 2012. This trail can be completed most of the year, and so I like to hike this trail in the early Spring. Mount Pilchuck might be the most popular fire lookout hike in Washington, and having done this a few times I can see why. The Mount Pilchuck Trail is an out-and-back hike totaling 6 miles located near Granite Falls, WA, in the . Credit: Jason Ciummo. Distance: 8 miles roundtrip. Difficulty Level: All levels 8. hikes near Seattle. After taking in the views at the top, you will have to return back down the mountain the same way you came, making the round trip hike approximately 6 miles long. Pilchuck Distance: 5.6 Time: 3 hours 45 minutes Elevation Gain: 2200 Difficulty: Hard Potties: Yes 1 at trailhead Pass required: NW Forest Pass I hiked to the top of Mt. This is a great trail for beginners looking to advance their fitness or families with children who are growing more adventurous. The trail begins at 3,100 feet above sea level and winds through an old-growth forest to alpine heather and large rocks at the summit of Mount Pilchuck (5,324 feet above sea level). Pilchuck - Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mount Pilchuck State Park, Granite Falls: Address, Mount Pilchuck State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. Elevation gain: 2,300 feet. TH: The profile map starts at the 300th St TH, ascending East Bench, then Fun Boy, Bills Trail, Lower Ridgeline then the road out to the Monument. Mount Pilchuck was likely among the "long ridge of snowy mountains" sighted by the English explorer George Vancouver during the spring of 1792. The Mount Pilchuck hiking trail is one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes in Washington. . Baker National Forest " A very popular hike to the lookout tower perched on Mount Pilchuck. The Mount Pilchuck trail starts out at a high-elevation trailhead and is just 5.4 miles roundtrip, so you likely won't be alone at the summit, where you get views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics, but it's certainly one of the best short day hikes in the area. Elevation: 3,150 feet . We began the trek up the 2200 feet of elevation gain in just under 3 miles and were soon huffing and . Once the road turns to pavement, its a lot better. Score! Difficulty: Moderate Leader Rating: Moderate Mileage: 5.4 mi; Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft; Pace: 2mph . Take the second exit and get onto Quarry Road. Elevation Gain: 1,160 feet. The hike up Mount . When I first moved to Washington and asked for hiking recommendations, Pilchuck was mentioned again, and again. The most popular hike in Washington State is Rattlesnake Ledge. . The relatively short but strenuous 2.7-mile ascent is worth it as you can see a majestic view of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics from the top. Mount Pilchuck is a difficult hike (just over five miles round trip, 2300' elevation gain), but oh so worth it. which is usually extremely difficult to calculate because a peak's base elevation can be highly subjective. Mount Si is probably the most popular and well-known hike near Seattle. Difficulty: Hard Our Hiking Time: 4h 20m Required Permit: Northwest Forest Pass. Very fun day! Mount Pilchuck is talked about by many. Sign me up! There are many factors which make Mount Pilchuck one of Washington's favorite and most sought after hiking peaks. Distance: 4.0 miles, roundtrip. This difficult trail is for experienced hikers only, as there's quite a bit of technical hiking required to get up to . Mount Pilchuck Hikes Mount Pilchuck, the Verlot Campgrounds, and return to Lake Twenty-Two. To ensure we don't have more than 12 people from The Mountaineers on the same trail on the same day please check the Mount Pilchuck/East Ridge listing and coordinate with . " Eric Ashley OpenMapTiles OSM 5.4 Miles Out and Back 5,273' High 3,188' Low 2,087' Up 2,086' Down 15% Avg Grade (8) 47% Max Grade (25) Toolbox Difficulty: Moderate to Hard; Length: 5.4 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft; With one of the most remarkable fire lookouts in the state of Washington, the Mount Pilchuck trailhead is only a two-hour drive from Seattle. Mount Pilchuck State Park: Beautiful hiking - See 16 traveler reviews, 15 candid photos, and great deals for Granite Falls, WA, at Tripadvisor. Mount Pilchuck winter. Pilchuck. Mount Pilchuck. The trail was decent to follow, and eventually, we just ended going straight up, kick stepping in. Trail Guide: Link. Difficult Day Hikes Near Seattle 1. Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip . Easily one of the most rewarding hikes in the area, its relatively short 2.7 mile, 2,300 feet ascent gifts you 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics from its shelter lookout, which sits nestled on a summit that tops out around 5,300 feet. Elevation: 2,300 feet. With a solid two hours of daylight left (rainy daylight, but still light) we figured we'd knock off the Big Four Ice Caves as well. It's a very easy trail. Most hikers rank the trail as moderately challenging because it is not a gradual ascent but a rather . Rainier areas, and this was by far one of my favorite hikes! Not easy in general and definitely not easy for a couple who hasn't gone on a true hike in a long time! . We hoped that upon reaching the summit of the mountain at 5,324 feet we would find ourselves above the fog with glorious views of mountains floating above the clouds. Scott 1 year, 4 months ago. 8 Best Hikes in Washington: #7 Bandera Mountain. The lookout is the perfect picnic spot. The Mount Pilchuck Trail begins along a road once used to access the ski resort. Find The Enchantments Trail Notes here. Definitely an ankle burner if you aren't paying attention. Adding to Mount Pilchuck's popularity is the ease of access: the trailhead is less than two hours from Seattle. The trail is rough (rocks, roots, big steps) in many places and you'll have to pick your way through some rocky terrain. While the trailhead requires driving up a rough gravel road to reach it, that rough drive saves about 3,300 feet of climbing that you no longer have to hike. The trail along Harry's Ridge is an exciting spring hike to combine Washington wildflower hikes with some history. The number one draw for the mountain is the old fire lookout on the summit, which was constructed in 1918 by the US Forest Service. I'm definitely going to hike it again and next time more prepared with trail shoes or . Mount Pilchuck State Park hard (2487) Length: 5.2 mi Est. Difficulty: Moderate. This incredibly popular trail offers visitors panoramic views from the top of a restored fire lookout station. A little freaky getting to and from the lookout, but well worth the effort. Trail Length: 6 miles; Location: Mount Pilchuck State Park; Formerly used as a trail to get up to a fire lookout tower, the Mount Pilchuck trail is one of the coolest and most challenging hikes near Seattle. Pilchuck ski tour 6/5/18. Then descend Monument and use Ridge and West Bench on the return. Mount Pilchuck Trail is a challenging hike to an old fire lookout tower at the top of the mountain that offers panoramic views. Pilchuck sits on the western edge of the Cascades, which offers up amazing panoramic views once you reach the summit.Pilchuck is is one of the most popular hikes in the area, so if you . A railroad once ran along the canyon, passing through small communities. We did this hike during a heat wave at the end of June. Mt. Difficult hike with an amazing view at the lookout . Moderate Mountain Loop Highway Hikes Mt Pilchuck. The hiking trail had more of a variety than most trails, and so it was more fun to hike. Storm King. 3-4 hours. For a moderate one-day summit from Seattle, it's tough to find a better hike than the one up Mt. Mount Pilchuck Trail #700 Follow this classic route up through a former ski area to a fire lookout cabin and endless views. The hype continued to grow for me as I had to wait for warmer weather to . Come to find out it's a 5.8 mile hike (2.9 miles each way) with a 2300 ft change in elevation and is 5327 ft at its highest point. Distance: 5.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2122 feet Difficulty: Challenging The only time I have hiked the trail to Mount Pilchuck was in the middle of winter, with multiple feet of snow on the ground. Mount Pilchuck. Difficulty: Moderate. The first 4.7 miles of this road are gravel and rough; the last 1.9 miles are paved. Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft. Elevation: 5,327 ft. Although the trail is moderate in difficulty, this trail requires some route-finding, since although there is a trail to the summit . Pilchuck Tree Farm Victoria Tract CCW Loop Elevation Profile Map. The hike to Mount Pilchuck is difficult (especially the last little bit when you need to scramble over rocks to get to the top), but well worth it. The most popular hike in Washington State is Rattlesnake Ledge. Courtesy of Mike @ Flickr. Once you've made the right-turn, look for a sign indicating the road is FR 42. Details: Approaching Granite Falls on Hwy 92, you will encounter a roundabout. Best on a clear day. During the hike, you will gain an elevation of 1,400 feet. Hike & Mass: Mt Pilchuck (register by May 26) Friday, May 6, 2022; 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 16:00 17:00; . Distance: 5.4 miles. It was good to get an early start both because of the heat and because the trail does attract a lot of hikers. Should be cooler than most other closer-in hikes. Mount Pilchuck Lookout Mount Pilchuck Lookout: Carston Curd. The elevation gain is just challenging enough and the distance is just right, making it an enjoyable outing. . 3 of 5 diamonds. 8. Mount Si . Heather Lake is located on a slope situated at the northeast part of Mount Pilchuck. When considering places to go camping, this year we decided on somewhere nearby, those mountains closer to home. Moderate Day Hikes Near Seattle 1. Distance: 4 miles. 4 hours. Due to its lower elevation than other nearby hikes (the highest point is 2,340 feet), you won't find much snow on the beginning of . 3. Mount Pilchuck source With an elevation of 2300 feet, Mount Pilchuck is a challenging hike with a fair amount of rock climbing. (Additionally, keep driving down the same NF-4220 Road to reach the Mt Pilchuck Lookout hike in the summer!) Mt. Spring, Summer, and Fall.