Mount Pilchuck
3 days ago
Intermittent snow and ice
12 this month · 164 reports
North Mountain Lookout
North Cascades
updated 3 weeks ago
The trail to North Mountain Lookout is snow-free and in good condition, though it's primarily a road walk. The main challenge remains the drive up, with reports consistently describing the road as rough, potholed, and rocky, making a high-clearance vehicle highly recommended(2026-10-18),(2026-08-31). While some have successfully navigated it in lower clearance vehicles with caution(2026-08-20), others advise against it(2026-08-31). The trap door access to the very top deck of the lookout was locked as of October 18, limiting access to the highest viewpoint, though the level just below is accessible and offers adequate views. Bugs, particularly horseflies and deer flies, have been an annoyance for some hikers(2026-08-21),(2026-07-24), though others found them not to be a significant issue(2026-10-18),(2026-08-20). Wildlife sightings have included deer, snowshoe hares, and bear scat.
Generated from 22 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about North Mountain Lookout
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.
The road is consistently described as rough, with many potholes and rocky sections, making a high-clearance vehicle highly recommended as of October 18. One report from August 31 suggested it is unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles, though another from August 20 noted a local had taken a Prius up with caution.
The trap door access to the very top deck of the lookout was locked as of October 18, preventing full access to the highest viewpoint. However, the climb up the tower to the level just below the top deck is adequate and offers good views.
Recent sightings include deer and snowshoe hares as of October 18 and August 31. Bear scat was noted on the road in August 21, and one report mentioned a black bear sighting on August 31.
More in North Cascades
Mount Dickerman
1 week ago
Packed snow above mile 2.5, gear recommended
6 this month · 104 reports
Vesper Peak
1 week ago
Snow-covered at times, snow likely deep
6 this month · 68 reports
Lake 22
1 week ago
Intermittent snow on trail and boardwalk
5 this month · 197 reports
Monte Cristo Ghost Town
1 week ago
Fall colors visible on surrounding peaks
5 this month · 41 reports
Gothic Basin
1 week ago
Snow is arriving in the basin
4 this month · 104 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent3 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We did this easy hike/walk just at dusk on a clear sky evening and we really enjoyed it. The 360 degree views with mountains and valleys all around were amazing in the fading light. The trap door acce...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The trail itself is super easy and short leading up to the lookout. You get stunning views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding forests. On the way up we saw plenty of Deer and even a Black Bear sighting....
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
I arrived to the totally empty trailhead mid afternoon on a partly cloudy (but really hazy) Friday. There is no restroom at the trailhead, but there is an outhouse at the tower. It's clean, but does n...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We stayed in Darrington to get an earlier start up to North Mountain. Driving up the road was not bad - it is one lane all the way up, even the initial paved section, but there are lots of turnouts, ...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Less of a hike and more of a road walk, but from both the drive and the walk up the views are incredible. For the short distance of actual hiking this is great bang for the buck. There's one caveat th...
Older5 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Trail is fairly steep, but it's a wide road. easy to navigate. There are a few waterfalls currently running. A good hike!
Older5 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Great family-friendly weekend hike! The last 8 miles to the trailhead were a bit rough with potholes, but access was no problem. Cell service was available throughout, and the trail was wide and gentl...
Older6 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The road has some potholes, making the drive a bit slow but it's passable for pretty much any car, in my opinion. It's helpful to have a map or directions, as there are some side roads off the main ro...
Older6 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The outlook balcony was locked as of 4-26-2026 so the highest you can climb is up to the 3rd stairs. Roads had no ice and there was a tractor plowing dirt and debris off the trail. By the time we drov...
Older8 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
It was a gorgeous clear day for a lookout hike, but if you do this one beware that the road is pretty muddy and potholed (and there is 10 miles of this dirt road!), plus the last mile had snow on it a...