Wildfire season is here and impacting several parks, so make sure you’re in the know before you go. Before you head to a park, please check its page or head to our alerts page for closures, alerts and other important information to make sure you have a fun, safe and informed trip.
No fires permitted at any time.
Granite Falls, WA 98252
Mount Pilchuck State Park is located at 3,100 feet above sea level and offers awe-inspiring alpine views. The 2.7 mile trail up to the summit and historic fire lookout is the main attraction here.
The park begins on Forest Service land and requires a Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful pass. The Forest Service maintains the restroom and picnic area.
The access road to the Mount Pilchuck trailhead is seasonal and closed by the U.S. Forest Service during off-season winter months past the Heather Lake Trailhead. Opening and closing dates are not set, but you can inquire with the Verlot Public Service Center within the Darrington Ranger District for further details.
Water is not available at the trailhead and scarce along the trail. Please be prepared with proper clothing and gear, pack plenty of water and be ready for sudden weather changes.
The Mount Pilchuck trail is rated moderate to difficult. Please know your own abilities and consider your children's and pets' abilities.
Bird Watching
Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running
Winter Activities
Restrooms
Picnic Tables
Hiking Trails
Creek
Forest
Freshwater
Meadow
Mountain View
Seasonal Wildflowers
Viewpoint
Wildlife Viewing
The park begins on Forest Service land and requires a Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful pass. The Forest Service maintains the restroom and picnic area.
The access road to the Mount Pilchuck trailhead is seasonal and closed by the U.S. Forest Service during off-season winter months past the Heather Lake Trailhead. Opening and closing dates are not set, but you can inquire with the Verlot Public Service Center within the Darrington Ranger District for further details.
Water is not available at the trailhead and scarce along the trail. Please be prepared with proper clothing and gear, pack plenty of water and be ready for sudden weather changes.
The Mount Pilchuck trail is rated moderate to difficult. Please know your own abilities and consider your children's and pets' abilities.
The trail to the top of Mount Pilchuck is challenging and breathtaking in more ways than one. The 2,300-foot climb is on uneven terrain through forests that open onto fields of shale and steep switchbacks on an exposed slope. For your efforts, you're rewarded with 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch and chat with fellow hikers at the base of the lookout or climb up onto the wraparound balcony to reach Mount Pilchuck's true summit. The trail is usually covered with snow until early to midsummer.
Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.
In the winter, you can snowshoe on Mount Pilchuck and experience a serene and entirely different landscape. Trailhead parking will not be accessible, so be prepared to hike in several miles before you reach the trailhead.
A small camping area is located near the trailhead. Space is extremely limited and available first-come, first-served.
A small uncovered picnic area near the trailhead is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
