Sulphur Mountain

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This trail starts at the end of the Suiattle River Road. It climbs 4,600 relentless feet, all in the trees, to a small meadow ridge and big views. For more adventure, you can continue to the true summit of Sulphur, all your efforts will be worth it.

North of Darrington on Hwy 530, take the Suiattle River Road 23 miles to its end.

Access

Elevation: 6,200 feet at lookout, 6,735 feet at summit
Distance: 5.5 miles to lookout, 1.2 more to summit
Elevation Gain: 4,600 to lookout, 1,000 more to summit
Road Access: Good Gravel

Mtn. Loop Hwy.

Former Lookouts

Start down the Suiattle River Trail and in 0.2 miles is a sign and left turn onto the Sulphur Mountain Trail. The trail immediately climbs and doesn't stop until tree line. Bring a friend or some good music, because it is mind-numbing, although the steep open forest gullies are kind of interesting. After reaching the ridge viewing location and you wish to continue, drop down the other side of the ridge to a col at 5950. Climb the ridgeline until you hit a bunch of huge boulders. It is possible to skirt about 100 feet below the ridge, although there are some boulders to work around. If you stay on the ridge top, you'll just have to hop the mammoth boulders. Continue beyond finding meadows and easier terrain on the south face of Sulphur to the summit.

Route

If you like looking at this for hours, you will love this trail

A little snow for variety

Lookout location from the north point of the ridge (off-trail)

Sulphur Ridge and Mountain

Suiattle River Valley from the lookout area

Glacier Peak from the lookout area

Sulphur Mountain from the lookout area

Sulphur Mountain Lake & looking north from the lookout area

White Chuck Mountain & Whitehorse Mountain

Dome Peak

Upper Suiattle River Valley from Sulphur Mountain

Lower Suiattle River Valley from Sulphur Mountain with lookout area on right

Looking north from Sulphur Mountain

Mt. Baker from Sulphur Mountain

Glacier Peak from Sulphur Mountain

Lime Ridge from the lookout area

Eldorado in far back

Looking east from Sulphur Mountain

Bonanza from Sulphur Mountain

Why was this trail built? The trail seems like it was built for horses, as if plans were made for a fire lookout. The trail stops at a flat area. The lake below is even called Lookout Lake. Many old trip reports call this a lookout site. But was it? The jury is still out on this one.

Possible Lookout Site

No indication of a lookout in this 1964 mountaineers trip guide.