Mount Pilchuck Lookout Trail #700

Highlights: Mountain views, Meadows, old growth forest

Distance: 3.0 miles miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 3100 feet

Ending Elevation: 5324 feet

Difficulty level: Most Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #109 Granite Falls

Visitor Use: Heavy

SUMMARY:

This trail travels through an old-growth forest and follows along the edge of an area clear-cut by Washington State Department of Natural Resources in 1977. The trail continues on eventually ending on exposed rocky areas that are easily traveled except when icy conditions exist.

The 5324 foot summit has tremendous views of the Cascades, Olympics, and Puget Sound. The Forest Service lookout on top is managed by Washington State Parks and maintained by the Everett Mountaineers. This lookout is available for public use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Washington State Parks administered a ski area here from 1957 to 1980. The former ski slope looks like a shortcut, but it is brushy, steep, and hard going. The trail is often muddy and drinking water is scarce.

Mt. Pilchuck was likely among the "long ridge of snowy mountains" that were sighted by the English explorer George Vancouver during the spring of 1792. This peak stands well in front of the main Cascades.

The trail is usually snow-covered until midsummer and is very popular on a clear day.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), travel east on the Mountain Loop Highway 1.0 mile. Turn right (south) on the Pilchuck Road #42 and continue for 6.9 miles to the trailhead.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

Verlot, Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

1405 Emmens St. Darrington, WA 98241

Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm(360) 436-1155

Verlot PublicService Center

Open Thursday - Monday8 am - 4:30 pm (360) 691-7791

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Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors.

Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.