Short Hikes to Splendid Views

A Gem in the North Cascades

In 90% of instances the longer the hike, the better the view. You do get the odd long hike from hell that ends up seemingly nowhere and sometimes, like this hike in the North Cascades, you get the best views around if you're willing to walk just two short miles. Perched atop this peak is another classic Northwest fire lookout, and by lookouts standards, this is one of the best equipped ones with a bed, stove, and food for the unprepared traveler.

This is quite a popular hike in the summer, and with only a couple places to sleep in the lookout, we were fully expecting to pitch a tent at the top and enjoy the lookout from afar. Much to our delight the only other group up there had elected to sleep in their tents instead of the lookout which meant we had the place to ourselves! A far cry from other lookout hikes we've done and something that probably won't happen again soon.

The hike up is pretty uneventful being just shy of two miles but the views get better and better on the way up. Every switchback reveals a deeper look into the mysterious and daunting North Cascade mountain range. Like I said above, the view from the top is nearly unrivaled in its brilliance and ease of access. Canada, Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the formidable Picket Range are just a few of things you can see from inside the lookout.

This trip was in the middle of a five day road trip through the North Cascades and was definitely the highlight of the whole trip. The sunset and sunrise were spectacular, even if I only woke up enough to enjoy sunrise from my sleeping bag. The weather is starting to get nicer here in Washington which means hiking season is just around the corner and soon after that, hikes like this will be open for business. I can't wait!!

Enjoy the photos and have a wonderful weekend!

Halfway up, the views getting better by the step