Tyee Lookout
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A reservable fire lookout on an open Entiat ridge, reached by a rough road walk through bunchgrass country.
About This Trail
Tyee Lookout sits at 6,640 feet on a rolling grassland ridge in the Entiat Mountains, accessible either by a rough 4-mile road walk or a proper hike from where the road becomes impassable. The lookout can be reserved through Recreation.gov for overnight stays, making it one of the few fire lookouts in the Central Cascades where you can sleep with a 360-degree view of Eastern Washington's dry-side terrain.
The landscape here is open and exposed: bunchgrass ridges, rocky outcrops, and regenerating vegetation from past fires. A spring at 1.5 miles provides the only reliable water along the route. The Entiat Mountains character dominates, with broad views east toward the Columbia Plateau and west toward the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Billy Ridge Trail offers a loop extension for those wanting more mileage.
Getting to the trailhead is half the challenge. FS 5700 (Mad River Road) climbs 3,300 feet over 14 miles from Ardenvoir, paved for most of the way. FS 5713 branches right where pavement ends, and conditions deteriorate rapidly. High-clearance AWD is essential for the final stretch. Most hikers park where the road becomes too rough and walk the remaining distance to the lookout. Downed trees on FS 5700 have been reported and may require clearing.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow blocks FS 5713 into late spring, adding significant road-walk mileage. Downed trees reported on FS 5700 in fall 2024. Mid-clearance vehicles can reach the 5,500-foot level when snow-free; above that requires walking.
Scorecard
Remote location and rough road access keep visitor numbers very low. Overnight reservations through Recreation.gov draw occasional visitors.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Fully exposed ridgeline with no shelter from weather
- No reliable water after the 1.5-mile spring
- Downed trees may block road access
Getting There
High-clearance vehicle recommended
Park where FS 5713 becomes impassable, typically within the first mile. No formal lot. No facilities.
From Wenatchee, take Highway 97A north toward Chelan. Before Entiat, turn left on Entiat River Road 10 miles to Ardenvoir. Left on FS 5700 (Mad River Road) for 14 miles. FS 5713 branches right where pavement ends. Road may have downed trees.
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