Mount Pilchuck Lookout Winter Hike

Mt Pilchuck is close to Seattle and passable year-round

We want to use this blog to encourage similar minded readers curious about outdoor adventures to start the first journey.

Included are our top action packed destinations with a carefully planned and researched gear list and newbie tips to stay safe and make the most of your new experience.

Season: All year round

Duration: Day hike

Distance: 4.8 miles | out and back

Elevation gain: +2125 ft

Trail map: Gaia GPS Map

Adventure Rating:

8.5 / 10

Newbie Tips:

1. The summit lookout cabin was boarded up and closed in the winter but there was a small opening at the back of the cabin (push the bottom of the door) that allows you to crawl in and enjoy some hot food and catch your breath while you soak in the views.
2. The roads leading to the trailhead are in a sad state, and we encountered some of the biggest pot holes on the way. They’re still completely manageable, even with a sedan, if you drive slow and smart. If the roads are too icy at the final stretch, find a place to park on the side of the road close to the trailhead.
3. If the lower gates to the trailhead are closed, you might be looking at a much longer hike. For a similar if not slightly easier winter hike, check out the Heather Lake trailhead that’s on the way.
4. We highly recommend checking trail conditions on WTA website and local weather prior to going. Summiting can be tricky in windy conditions.
5. Navigation is straight forward especially when the trail is well established. Gaia GPS will serve you well. Expect total hike time of 3.5 hours for normal human beings. No need to rush, we spent an additional hour in the cabin firing up the stove for instant noodles. Check our route.
6. We saw a brave soul wearing only shorts and tennis shoes at the summit but definitely do not recommend this combination. The guy did have more body hair than his dog. It was freezing and we actually recommend layering up and bringing gloves, trekking poles and a stove for some hot food. A few people brought snowshoes for the last segment of the hike but we got by just fine with microspikes alone.

Check our detailed list of gears : Mt Pilchuck Winter Trail (2people, day hike)

A great way to start 2019

Trail conditions and Seattle weather as good as it gets for January

Trail was pretty well established even towards the summit.

The summit lookout cabin was boarded up and closed in the winter but there was a small opening at the back of the cabin. Inside the cozy shelter, a perfect place for lunch.

Views from the outer deck of the look out

Few other peaks offers such great rewards of 360° views of Central Cascades, Mt Baker and Mt Rainier for so little effort.

A sense of freedom and relief