Heybrook Lookout
Central CascadesBest Mar–Nov
A quick, steep climb through mossy forest to a historic fire lookout with front-row views of Index, Persis, and Baring.
About This Trail
Heybrook Lookout packs a lot of payoff into a short hike. The trail climbs steadily through a dense, fern-carpeted forest for about a mile, gaining roughly 1,000 feet before depositing you at the base of a restored fire lookout tower. Eighty-nine steps up the tower, and you are standing above the treetops looking straight at the craggy faces of Mount Index, Mount Persis, and Mount Baring. On a clear day, Bridal Veil Falls is visible across the valley.
The forest is thick enough that even on a rainy day you stay mostly dry on the climb, though the trail itself can get muddy and slippery. There is no pass required and no fee, which contributes to the popularity. The small gravel pullout on Highway 2 fills fast on nice weekends, and latecomers end up on the highway shoulder. There is a pit toilet near the lookout but nothing at the trailhead.
The lookout cabin itself is available as a Forest Service rental from May through October through recreation.gov. Even if you are not spending the night, climbing the tower is the whole point. The views are genuinely impressive for the effort involved, and it is one of the best "bang for your buck" hikes on the Highway 2 corridor.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“First hike of the season, nice and short, but uphill switchbacks the entire way.”
Last report: May 31, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- muddy and slippery trail in wet conditions
- highway shoulder parking can be hazardous
Getting There
No pass required. Small gravel pullout on the north side of Highway 2 past mile marker 37. Fills completely by late morning on sunny weekends. Overflow parking is along the highway shoulder, which is not ideal. Recent reports mention construction work at the nearby Heybrook Ridge parking area.
From Everett, follow Highway 2 east for about 37.5 miles. The trailhead pullout is just past the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest entrance sign on the north side. Trail is well-signed and impossible to lose.
A short hike. Most people are up and back in under 90 minutes. Arrive early on weekends for parking. Works well as a late-afternoon hike or a quick stop on the way to or from Stevens Pass.
Recent Reports
The trail was in really good condition. Short, steep hike with lots of roots and rocks but totally doable.
First hike of the season, nice and short, but uphill switchbacks the entire way. Not too strenuous, but a little more of a workout than I was expecting!
A short, steep but moderate trail in good condition to the tower. The stairs get you to the landing level below the actual watch tower, making it not quite an unobstructed view.
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