Mount Pilchuck
The Mount Pilchuck hiking trail is one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes in Washington. Despite the difficulty and rocky climb to the summit, it is a popular hiking destination in the Cascades and offers 360-degree views on a clear day. The hike is not the longest clocking in at only 6 miles round trip, but you will feel it in your legs with a traverse of over 2,100 feet in elevation to the Instagram-worthy historic fire lookout. This trail can get very busy and it's recommended to hike on a weekday or be the first one to the trail to secure good parking.
Overall, the first few miles of the trail are in the forest, shady, and well managed. You will hit a rocky scree ridge and instead of scrambling make sure you aim for the orange marker that directs you across the boulder field to the actual trail. The trail will slowly start to get a lot rockier and it will remain that way for the rest of the trek to the top. Note that this hike holds snow into the early summer which can still be tackled by the avid hiker with proper snow hiking gear.
Once you reach the top, you will arrive at a historic fire lookout that has 360-degree views of the Cascades and low-level landscape from the mountain to the Puget Sound on a clear day.
Location: Mount Pilchuck State Park
Directions: Head east on Quarry Road from Granite Falls. After a few miles, you will hit a roundabout and need to stay on Quarry Road. From here you will reach the Mountain Loop Highway after 2-miles. Turn left onto the highway and head 11 miles to Mount Pilchuck Road. Turn right onto Mount Pilchuck Road and head 6.8 miles until you reach the trailhead parking lot. In winter the gate might be closed and you’ll need to park at the Heather Lake trailhead and walk the remainder of the road to the Mount Pilchuck Parking lot. Google maps address here.
Activities: Hiking, Backcountry Skiing
Difficulty: Moderate to Intermediate
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip (3 miles one-way)
Elevation Gain: 2,125 feet
Best Time of Year: June - October
Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Allowed: Yes (must be kept on leash)
Weather: Mount Pilchuck, WA
