Distance
5.4 miles roundtrip
Trail Guide
Mount Pilchuck Trail
5.4 mi roundtrip · 2,200 ft gain · Moderate · Mount Pilchuck
Trail Stats
Elevation Gain
2,200 ft
Highest Point
5,327 ft
Trailhead Elevation
3,100 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
Features
Historic fire lookout
360-degree views
Boulder fields
Technical Notes
Popular hike to a restored fire lookout with panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympics, Baker, Rainier, and Glacier Peak. Trail passes through forest, then crosses granite boulder fields. Some light scrambling near the summit. Snow on trail into July. Road to trailhead is rough and opens late (usually July).
Getting There
Trailhead
Mount Pilchuck Trailhead
FR-42 (Pilchuck Rd), Mountain Loop Highway
Parking: ~25 spaces
From Seattle
55 mi · 80 min drive
I-5 North to SR-530 East (Arlington). Follow to the Mountain Loop Highway. Turn right on FR-42 (Pilchuck Rd) and follow for 7 miles to the trailhead. Rough gravel road.
Planning Details
Best Season
July through October
Dogs Allowed
Yes
Required Pass
Northwest Forest Pass
Annual: $30.00 · Day: $5.00
Mountain
Mount Pilchuck · 5,327 ft · Central Cascades
Avalanche Forecast
Check current avalanche conditions for the Mount Pilchuck zone before your trip.
Ready to plan?
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