The second trek I embarked on during my annual trip to the Pacific Northwest was a hike to the Haybrook Lookout Tower in Washington. Located at 1700 feet just beneath Haybrook Mountain in the Cascade range, it’s the perfect short hike to embark on while driving through the area.
About the Hike to the Haybrook Lookout Tower
Located in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest off of US Highway 2, the hike to the Haybrook Lookout Tower is fairly easy due to its length. While it does climb in elevation the entire way, rating it as moderate, it’s a good trail to take with the entire family. The first Haybrook Lookout Tower was constructed in 1925 for fire rangers. In 1964, the 67-foot tower that now exists was built and is only one of 106 lookouts left in Washington State.
Camping Out at the Haybrook Lookout Tower
The Haybrook Lookout Tower is available to rent out for overnight excursions. According to the website, the cabin sleeps 4 people. It’s “furnished with one twin-sized bed with mattress, two additional floor mattresses, a table and chairs, propane stove, pot, pan, silverware, coffee pot and battery operated lanterns.” No water is available here so you’ll have to pack it in. Other important things to bring for an overnight camp in the Haybrook Lookout Tower are flashlights/headlamps, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags since all trash and food must be packed out.
For more info on renting out the Haybrook Lookout Tower, click here
Tips for Hiking to the Haybrook Lookout Tower
Climbing up to the Haybrook Lookout Tower is a calf-burner but totally worth the trek. The trail is well-shaded with trees so sunscreen isn’t too important. Since there’s no water access, be sure to bring enough along. When the tower is rented out with campers, which is almost always, you are unable to climb to the top. There is a platform located just below the actual enclosure so you can still get some great views of Mount Index, Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Baring, Mount Persis and the Wild Sky Wilderness.
As with all trails, be sure to follow the“Leave No Trace” principles while hiking to the Haybrook Lookout Tower.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Hiking to the Haybrook Lookout Tower in Washington
Distance: 2.6 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: +997 Feet
Best Time to Hike: May – October
Features: Fire lookout tower. Views of surrounding vistas. Dogs allowed on leash.
Getting to the Haybrook Lookout Tower Trailhead
The trailhead for the Haybrook Lookout Tower is located along US Highway 2 just outside of Gold Bar, Washington (directions to trailhead here). Beings its not situated on a forest road, the drive to the trailhead is simple and fairly busy due to its easy accessibility.
Beginning the Hike to the Haybrook Lookout Tower
As soon as you begin the hike to the Haybrook Lookout Tower, the elevation gain is immediate. We double in elevation in that first mile gaining +840 feet. Luckily the mossy tree coverage adds that extra shade we need.
Keep your eyes peeled for various forms of wildlife. Although black bears, elk and bald eagles make appearances on the trail, the only wildlife we got to witness was a woodpecker.
Reaching the Haybrook Lookout Tower
Climbing nearly +850 feet, we reach the Haybrook Lookout Tower in just over a mile. We take some time to relax at the picnic table under the tower before ascending the stairs to the top.
Once again, when the quarters are rented out, you can’t climb all the way to the top. Luckily, there’s a platform just below the actual cabin, supplying us with epic views of the surrounding mountains like Mount Index at nearly 6000 feet.
Quiet hours up at the Haybrook Lookout Tower are from 10pm-7am. Even if you’re hiking up here at that time, be sure to respect those camping up above.
Hiking on to Haybrook Mountain
Since the hike was so short and sweet, we decided to hike on an extra 0.5 miles to the top of Haybrook Mountain. The views are nothing in comparison to those at the top of the lookout but it was nice to get some extra mileage in on our legs.
To find Haybrook Mountain, hike down the forest road past the pit toilet, take a left up the forest road until you see the opening to the north. From here we can see the surrounding peaks although they’re a bit obstructed with the power towers.
Before heading out on trails, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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