South Point Lookout

South Point Lookout trail climbs at a nice grade from valley bottom to the summit. The forest suffered a massive fire at some point but has recovered well. In mornings, the sun will be hiding on the other side of the mountain, giving shade. The top is still utilized by a small communication tower, serviced by helicopter. With 1,960 feet of prominence, South Point Lookout just misses the Top Washington Prominence List.

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Access:

At 4 miles southwest of Packwood off Highway 12 is the signed Forest Road 20. Follow FR 20 for 4.8 miles to the somewhat hidden but signed trailhead on the left. A few places to park are along the road opposite of the trailhead.

Route:

Just hike the trail to the summit, there are no other trails or anything to lead you astray. It starts as an old Jeep trail but soon the trail enters an upper Silver-fir forest and is quite enjoyable. The final 300 feet is on the north side and can hold snow into July. If so, scramble through the small trees for safety and reach the very large summit area. Be sure to check out the toilet area, just feet from the highest point and highest benchmarker.

South Cascades

Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet
Summit Elevation: 5,980 feet
Access: Good Gravel
County: Lewis

South Point Lookout

Southpoint Trailhead #123

Old jeep road

Upper trail section

On the trail nearing the ridge

Goat Rocks

Mount Rainier

Small tower on the summit

Mount Adams

Standing on the highest point and benchmark with the toilet just below.....but what a view

Mount Rainier

Mount Adams

Cispus Mountain, Castle Butte and Twin Sisters

with Mount St. Helens in the far distance

Looking at the summit area from the highest point

1937 Benchmark

Former Lookouts

Lookout History:

In 1930, there was a camp.

In 1933, a 5-foot wooden tower with L-4 cab was built.

In 1934, panoramic images were taken from the roof.

In 1947, a USGS party described the lookout as a low, one story building.

In 1951, the lookout person this season was Bob Baldwin.

In 1952, a 41-foot timber tower with L-4 cab was built.

In 1964, of the 37 regular and emergency lookout stations manned in previous years, the National Forest announced just six would be used during the next fire season, opting instead to use air patrols. Smith Point would be one of those six and the primary reason for keeping the six was to help provide communications coverage for the forest.

In 1972, the tower and cab were destroyed on April 3.