Hidden Lake Lookout
North Cascades
As of late May 2026, access to Hidden Lake Lookout is significantly impacted by a road washout two miles below the trailhead, with limited parking for approximately four vehicles. Drivers should exercise extreme caution on the deeply rutted road.
Recent reports from April 25th and May 24th highlight snow, particularly above 5000 feet. While wildflowers are emerging, avalanche danger persists, especially concerning cornices and the bowl above the lake. The April 25th report notes a tricky river crossing and the need for navigation skills on an unmarked winter route. The May 24th report advises caution on a steep winter trail and mentions continuous snow at higher elevations, with some parties deeming the bowl unsafe due to wet loose slides and sagging cornices. An alternative, more technical route to the lookout exists from the saddle.
generated from 33 reports
Conditions at a Glance
Trail
Trail difficult/impossible to navigate: Trees down across trail, Difficult stream crossing(s), Bridge out, Mud/Rock slide or washout.
1 of 1
Snow
Intermittent snow - not hard to cross
1 of 1
Road
Road impassable/closed
1 of 1
Bugs
No bugs
1 of 1
Sources
Deep ruts made road impassable by SUV about a half mile onto FS1540.
The hike up to hidden lake has amazing views of the north cascades and wildflowers like paintbrush and trillium are making an appearance. Note that the road is still washed out 2 miles from the trailh...
Started at 8am where road was washed out. River crossing right away is a little tricky but not bad. Headed up the road to the "winter route". Make sure to have a map - this is not a defined trail and ...
Started day at washout around 9am, tricky to cross, but a party we started with went up the creek and said it was easier. Winter trail was uneventful, snow started .5 miles below tree line. Our friend...
This is a road condition report for the gravel road towards the Hidden Lake Lookout trailhead. For the road condition of the Cascade River Road see my trip report from last weekend.The first half mile...
Overnight in Hidden Lake Lookout from 12.2-3 2025ROAD:Some rough, rutted and rocky areas. Would not recommend trying to take a sedan up here. We did fine in a Subaru Forester.We were able to drive to ...
Beautiful fall day for an epic hike. We arrived around 9 am, three other cars in the parking lot. The 4.5 mile road is tough, we made it over the giant potholes, 3 tricky areas, going slow in a Subaru...
This hike nearly killed me. In the end, I did 15.5 miles and 5500 elevation. In the end, I would absolutely not do this again.Let me start at the beginning.The directions are not helpful. The sign tha...
Last time I was here, July 21st 2019, I rolled my ankle BAD about 0.7 miles from the trailhead on the way down. I tore my ATFL completely and grade 1'd my CFL and PTFL. Ouch... I had to tape up my ank...
Bottom Line:A treat! The terrain on this one is pretty special - a granite wonderland once you are about 1/2 way to the lookout. The contrast of the white-washed granite and the colorful meadows was s...
Want to ask something specific about Hidden Lake Lookout?
Use AI-powered search to dig into trip reports for this trail.
Search Hidden Lake Lookout