4 Must-See Mountaintop Lookouts in the Central Cascades

With every variation of elevation from hillocks to full-on mountains, amateur and expert climbers will be able to find an appropriate ascent waiting for them in the Cascades.

The view from a mountaintop is worth the climb. Here are your best bets for lookout hikes in Seattle NorthCountry.

Mount Pilchuck Lookout

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation: 5,000 feet, gain of 3,000 feet during hike

It’s about a two-hour climb up this 5,000-foot peak. The top is not always easily accessible, due to varying amounts of snow. And when it snows the outlook cabin at the top is winterized. But you can still stand on the deck of the lookout and see panoramic views of the Salish Sea, the Snohomish River Delta, and the Central and North Cascades. A summer hike? Even better.

North Mountain Lookout

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 560 feet

For climbers who are less gruff than hardcore mountaineers, there’s the Northwest Wilderness Lookout, which, unsurprisingly, offers a grandiose and sweeping view of the Northwest Wilderness. It’s a short hike to the top and offers views of Glacier Peak and Mount Baker.

Green Mountain Lookout

Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

Elevation: 6,500 feet

Green Mountain is one of the best-kept secrets; accessible only by Suiattle River Road (USFS Road 26) and Green Mountain Road. This backcountry trail takes you to a historic lookout with views of Whitechuck, and hulking Glacier Peak.

Heybrook Lookout

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Elevation: 1,700 feet, gain of 900 feet during hike

900 feet of rocky ledge towers at the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. At the top is a fire lookout with a luxurious cabin on top. Even if you’re not renting the cabin (which you can do, by the way) you can still stand high in the forest and see the surrounding peaks of Mt. Persis, Mount Index and the Skykomish River far below.