Evergreen Mountain Lookout
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Perched atop its namesake mountain at an elevation of 5,587 feet, Evergreen Mountain Lookout was built in 1935 for detecting wildfires. During fire season, lookouts stayed
in the cabin, watching for lightning strikes and forest fires in the Skykomish drainage. Once the lookout located a fire or smoke, he or she would radio to the
Skykomish Ranger Station and give local landmarks to help firefighters locate the fire quickly.
During World War II, Evergreen Mountain Lookout was used as an Aircraft Warning Station, and then remained an active fire tower until the early 1980s. During
volunteer restoration efforts in the 1990s, the lookout was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The lookout tower is located in the Wild Sky Wilderness and must be accessed via a steep, scenic hike on the Evergreen Lookout Trail .
Some amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own supplies.
The 14x14-ft. lookout cabin sleeps four and is furnished with one twin-sized bed and mattress, three extra mattresses, a table and chairs, propane stove, two battery powered lanterns, a cooking pot, dishes and a coffee pot. A primitive vault toilet is located several hundred feet down the ridge from the lookout.
There is no water or heat at the site. Guests must bring water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Guests must also bring flashlights, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food
must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
Need to Know
- Entry to the lookout is by key, which must be obtained from the Skykomish Ranger Station
- A $100.00 damage/key deposit is required at the time or prior to picking up the key at the ranger station
- Water is not available; guests must bring their own supply of water
- All parties must sign a release form prior to using the lookout; it can be mailed or brought in to the Ranger District
- Extreme caution must be taken when using lanterns, cook stoves or any other appliances with open flame (candles and incense is prohibited)
- Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears and other wildlife from area
- Please do not let pets roam freely, as they may endanger wildlife and plants or themselves
- Pack out all food and garbage and clean the facility before you leave
- Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure. Leave the shutters up.
- The cabin is a no-smoking facility
- Contact the Skykomish Ranger District at (360) 677-2414 prior to arrival to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect your visit
- Learn more about Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Natural Features
On a clear day, guests at Evergreen Mountain Lookout see views of Glacier Peak, Mt. Daniels, Keyes Peak, Columbia Glacier, Mt. Rainier and parts of the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness.
Remains of the last big fire spotted on Evergreen Mountain in 1967 are still evident on the rocky south face of the ridge to within several hundred feet of
the lookout.
Evergreen Mountain Lookout is situated within the Wild Sky Wilderness area. Wildlife is abundant, and guests may catch a glimpse of black bears, bobcat,
elk or bald eagle. Wolves are making a comeback to the area, but they are usually heard and not seen.
Recreation
Hiking, birding and wildlife viewing are popular activities around the lookout.
Guests access the lookout via the Evergreen Lookout Trail that climbs steeply through the old Evergreen Mountain Burn of 1967.
Hikers enter dense forest, where the grade eases a bit upon reaching a small saddle below the lookout. At this point, the trail
ascends again to reach the building. The trail is noted for
wildflowers, scenery and wildlife.
Contact Information
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P.O. Box 305 Skykomish WA 98288
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 360-677-2414
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From State Route 2, turn north onto Beckler River Road (Forest Road #65), which is 0.5 miles east of the town of Skykomish. Continue on Forest Road #65 for 13 miles to
Jack Pass. At Jack Pass, turn right onto FSR #6550 and drive about 1 mile to FSR #6554. Drive FSR #6554 6.5 miles to the trailhead. It is another 1.5 mile hike to the lookout.
Available Campsites
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