Lookout Mountain - Cascade River Road

From I-5, take the North Cascade Highway east for 39 miles to Marblemount. In Marblemount the highway takes a sharp left. Go straight, across the bridge onto Cascade River Road. Follow the Cascade River Road for 6.5 miles. About a quarter mile past the National Forest boundary sign, there is a small parking area and Lookout Mountain indicating the trailhead.

Lookout Mountain (Cascade River Road)

The Lookout Mountain trail starts low and climbs switchbacks in a deep forest to just barely break the tree line at the summit. You do not get any views until you basically reach the lookout. But, once there, you are treated with some amazing views of the rugged North Cascades. The summit is inside of North Cascades National Park and hopefully the lookout will be open so you can enjoy the summit in the comfort of the shelter. I carried my one-year old to the summit, snowshoeing the last mile. He was quite surprised to wake up from his nap in a comfortable bed with an amazing view.

As the map shows, it's just a trail climbing a mountain. At times, it can get steep as the trail doesn't mess with a gentle grade. At almost 3 miles there is a trail split, be sure to go left. There is one open area just below the summit (where I shot the lookout from below). If there are bad snow conditions, drop a 150 feet or so to travel through the trees instead of the open slope. In summer, this should be a simple enough trail to the top.

In 1929, a 2-story cathedral cabin was built.
In 1935, panorama photos taken at 22 feet above the ground.
In 1961, the present 30-foot timber R-6 tower was built.
The tower is open to the public on a first come, first serve basis.