Evergreen Mountain Lookout
Central CascadesBest Jul–Oct
A steep, short climb through burn regeneration and old growth to a restored fire lookout with 360-degree views of the Central Cascades.
About This Trail
This is one of those trails where the effort-to-reward ratio tips hard in your favor. In just 2.3 km of trail (plus a half-km road walk), you go from a forest road to a staffed fire lookout at 1,703 meters with views that stretch from Stuart and Daniel to Rainier, from Sloan to the Monte Cristo massif. On a clear day, the summit panorama covers most of the Central Cascades.
The first half-kilometer climbs steeply on FS Road 6554 through old timber cuts and the 1967 Evergreen Mountain Burn. The regenerating forest here is scrubby but opens up early views. The trail narrows as it enters old-growth mountain hemlock, then breaks into alpine meadows along the ridge crest. Wildflowers fill the meadows in midsummer. The lookout itself is a restored structure worth lingering at.
Bring water. There are no sources on the trail. The route is short enough that most hikers finish in 2 to 3 hours, making this a great pairing with another hike in the area or a visit to nearby Beckler River Campground.
Note: Beckler Road (FR 65) is closed indefinitely as of late December 2025 due to flood damage. The access road to this trailhead requires FR 65, so the trail is currently inaccessible to most vehicles. Check road status before planning.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- no water on trail
- Beckler Road (FR 65) closed due to flood damage (check current status)
- steep initial road walk can be slippery when wet
Getting There
Requires Northwest Forest Pass. Trailhead is at the end of a long forest road approach: Beckler River Road for 12.5 miles, then FR 6550 and side roads for another 10+ miles. Gravel turns rough. Save directions before leaving Highway 2.
The trail starts with a half-km walk up FS Road 6554, then transitions to singletrack. The route climbs steadily through burn regeneration, old growth, and alpine meadows to the lookout on the summit. Navigation is simple with a single track to the top.
Short enough for an afternoon hike if you have the road access sorted out. The long drive in (20+ miles of forest road from Highway 2) takes longer than the hike itself. Plan an hour each way on the road.
Similar Hikes
