Blue Slide Lookout Site

In 1942, a D-6 cupola cabin was trucked to this location from the Darland Lookout.

In 1946, it was replaced with a 30 foot treated timber tower with L-4 cab.

In 1960, a 40 foot treated timber tower with R-6 flat cab was built.

April 4, 1972, the Oregonian reported that the "Blue Slide Lookout Station toppled over a cliff in Snoqualmie National Forest when guy wires were cut, a $5,000 loss."

Elevation 6,785 feet
Hiking Distance: Drive-up
Access: High clearance 4WD needed or it is a hike

From Yakama, take the Ahtanum Road to Ahtanum State Forest. Just before reaching the Ahtanum Guard Station and between the campgrounds, you need to spot a gravel road going uphill on the right, the 2300 road. This road starts off nice, climbing steadily up to the Ewe Neck. The road gets progressively more and more rocky. Soon the road is on Divide Ridge. Going is very slow because of the rocky road and progress seems slow. At the end, the road reaches a snowmobile cabin and the viewpoint of Blue Slide Lookout. There is also a Jeep trail from Darland Mountain. If you are hiking, I know there are some more direct and enjoyable options if you come up from the west out of the South Fork Tieton River.

Blue Slide Lookout 1943

Views in route to the north to Rimrock Lake

Parked at the summit

One of several sets of footings

Located at the edge of a small cliff

Looking over and down the summit cliff

Ridge from the lookout site

Inside the emergency cabin

First half of the route from Antanum Guard Station & Campground area

Zoom to Mt. Rainier (Daniel Scott photo)