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Located just inside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this site is not the highest point of the ridge but is the most significant. Polallie means “dust” or “fine powder” in Chinook Jargon. In summer, the trail might be dusty but on a wet November day when I visited no dust was noticed.

Former Lookouts

Washington Fire Lookouts

Elevation 5,482 feet
Distance: 4 miles one-way (Tired Creek Route)
Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet
Access: Paved until last mile of good gravel

Start up the Pete Lake Trail going just over a mile. Turn right at the Tired Creek Trail. Follow Tired Creek Trail a half mile up to an old road, then turn right following the road a few minutes to an old trailhead. Continue climbing up the Tired Creek Trail another 2.3 miles to a ridgetop and intersection with the Polallie Ridge Trail. Go right and in 0.2 miles reach the lookout site.

Route

From I-90, take exit 80 (Roslyn/Salmon la Sac). Turn left (north) on WA-903/Salmon la Sac Road and continue 16.8 miles through Roslyn and past Cle Elum Lake. Turn left (west) on FR-46 (signed for FR 4600) and follow 4.7 miles. Turn right on FR-4616 and continue 1 mile to the trailhead. All paved except the last mile is good gravel.

Access

Polallie Ridge Lookout Site

Starting in the early 1920s, this site had a log cabin. On the roof, was a second story open-air cupola resting on the roof. In 1937, a 25 foot pole tower with an L-4 cab was built, and 4 images during the construction are below. The original cabin was kept, but the second story cupola resting on the roof was removed. It is uncertain how long the cabin and tower remained. The lookout inventory suggests the tower was abandoned in 1947. Images show the lookout still around well beyond that year, also a 1964 mountaineers hiking guide mentions the lookout, although it doesn’t say if standing or staffed.

Lookout History

There are two loop options to return to the trailhead. A 13 mile loop is to continue on the Polallie Ridge going west to Waptus Pass and down to Pete Lake. Most of this route is in wilderness and is really enjoyable hiking. The other option is to continue East on the Polallie Ridge Trail dropping down the long ridge nearly reaching Salmon La Sac, then following the Cooper River Trail all the way back up the valley to the lake and trailhead. This second option is roughly 15 miles and can grab the Polallie Ridge highpoint along the way. It’s a 1PK & Backcourt Peak, just a short off trail ramble.

Loop options going down