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Perched atop its namesake mountain at an elevation of 5,587 feet, Evergreen Mountain Lookout was built in 1935 for detecting wildfires. During fire season, lookouts stayed in the cabin, watching for lightning strikes and forest fires in the Skykomish drainage. Once the lookout located a fire or smoke, he or she would radio to the Skykomish Ranger Station and give local landmarks to help firefighters locate the fire quickly. During World War II, Evergreen Mountain Lookout was used as an Aircraft Warning Station, and then remained an active fire tower until the early 1980s. During volunteer restoration efforts in the 1990s, the lookout was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lookout tower is located in the Wild Sky Wilderness and must be accessed via a steep, scenic hike on the Evergreen Lookout Trail . Some amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own supplies.
Hiking, birding and wildlife viewing are popular activities around the lookout.
Guests access the lookout via the Evergreen Lookout Trail that climbs steeply through the old Evergreen Mountain Burn of 1967. Hikers enter dense forest, where the grade eases a bit upon reaching a small saddle below the lookout. At this point, the trail ascends again to reach the building. The trail is noted for wildflowers, scenery and wildlife.
The 14x14-ft. lookout cabin sleeps four and is furnished with one twin-sized bed and mattress, three extra mattresses, a table and chairs, propane stove, two battery powered lanterns, a cooking pot, dishes and a coffee pot. A primitive vault toilet is located several hundred feet down the ridge from the lookout. There is no water or heat at the site. Guests must bring water for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also bring flashlights, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
On a clear day, guests at Evergreen Mountain Lookout see views of Glacier Peak, Mt. Daniels, Keyes Peak, Columbia Glacier, Mt. Rainier and parts of the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Remains of the last big fire spotted on Evergreen Mountain in 1967 are still evident on the rocky south face of the ridge to within several hundred feet of the lookout.
Evergreen Mountain Lookout is situated within the Wild Sky Wilderness area. Wildlife is abundant, and guests may catch a glimpse of black bears, bobcat, elk or bald eagle. Wolves are making a comeback to the area, but they are usually heard and not seen.
From State Route 2, turn north onto Beckler River Road (Forest Road #65), which is 0.5 miles east of the town of Skykomish. Continue on Forest Road #65 for 13 miles to Jack Pass. At Jack Pass, turn right onto FSR #6550 and drive about 1 mile to FSR #6554. Drive FSR #6554 6.5 miles to the trailhead. It is another 1.5 mile hike to the lookout.
The process to book this is difficult, and with reason, make sure you email the paperwork ahead of time; although it says that you can bring it, ignore that information. The hours of the ranger are limited so make sure you get the 'code' before you head to the ranger station.
For Saturday, book Thursday - Sunday and then modify your booking for $10. Totally worth it.
Check the weather, it's a very steep hike so bring plenty of water!
The cabin itself has some water, but I think that was just our luck, some games, due to the heat the mosquitoes were biting! We couldn't enjoy the stay or the breeze. Overall it was fun. I think a lot of the items are 'by contribution', so try to leave something useful to the next people, we left 3 AAA batteries.
I love this trail and try to go every year! Only recommendation depending on the time of year: BRING BUGSPRAY!!! Hwy 2 is full of beautiful hikes, but the panoramic views that await at the top of this short, but strenuous hike are to die for and make every moment of exhaustion endured well worth it!
Sunny but cool... PERFECT day for this hike
It's a short but steep climb. From the trailhead, it looks A LOT farther than the
Call the ranger station for the latest information. They were super helpful. Bring lots of water. It’s a steep hike, but not bad for experienced hikers. Weather changed quickly. Cabin was rustic and wonderful to stay in. A little colder than I had anticipated. I stayed 2nd week of Sept 2018.
What a beautiful outdoor adventure! The hike has some lovely views of Central Cascades and a great view of Glacier Peak at the lookout. The hike is steep but short. Also, no water source along the way, so make sure to bring plenty of water. The meadows were full of flowers and the view was amazing from the lookout. There is a pit toilet at the top and social trails past the lookout get a better view of glacier peak. No photos of GP - it was a bit obscured by smoke. Hope you get out and enjoy this hike. It is amazing!
