Mt. Pilchuck Lookout Trail #700
| Trail Uses |  |
Length | 3.0 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season of Use | Summer / Fall | Beginning Elevation | 3100 feet |
| Visitor Use | Heavy | Ending Elevation | 5324 feet |
| Map(s) | Green Trails: Granite Falls #109 | Level of Difficulty | Most Difficult |
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.
Attractions & Considerations:
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.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead.