Mount Pilchuck State Park

Do you dream of climbing the snow-capped Cascades? Do you gape in wonder at sweeping views from historic lookouts?

If you answered "yes," you have found your park in Mount Pilchuck.

The 2.7-mile trail begins on U.S. Forest Service land and enters this day-use state park after a quarter-mile. The terrain changes quickly from forest to fields of shale that evoke the face of the moon. Orange poles point the way through the jumble of gray and white boulders and, when the views open up, they reveal Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker and the North Cascades. The trail reaches a chunky white rock wall before winding around the back of the peak for a steep approach to the lookout. The true summit requires a short scramble to the lookout's wraparound balcony.

Pause and take in the majestic landscape from the lookout – the valley of timber and rock below, Mount Rainier to the south, the Olympic range to the west and the North Cascades all around. Panels on each wall inside the structure tell you which peaks you are seeing.

Grab a snack and some water, and pat yourself on the back. You just climbed 2,300 vertical feet. Chat with other hikers, and peruse the interpretive panels describing the original 1918 fire lookout, the current lookout built in 1942, staffed until 1961 and restored by the Everett Mountaineers in 1989. Having rested a bit, you'll be fortified for the spectacular descent.

Park features
Mount Pilchuck State Park is a 1,903-acre day-use park that features mountainous alpine terrain with diverse scenic and recreation attractions. The park begins on Forest Service land and thus requires a Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful pass. The park's main attraction is the trail to the summit and fire lookout. The trail begins at 3,100 feet above sea level and climbs to 5,324 feet above sea level. The trail is usually covered with snow until early to midsummer.

Safety precautions: Mount Pilchuck is not just a walk in the park! The hike is strenuous, and in the summer, the trail can be crowded. The trail gains 2,300 feet in less than 3 miles and requires walking over uneven terrain. Water is not available at the trail head and is scarce along the trail. Please be prepared with proper outdoor clothing, boots and plenty of water, and be ready for sudden weather changes.

For your own and others' safety, keep your pet on a leash and under control at all times. Please consider your children's and pet's hiking abilities.