Swauk Forest Discovery Trail
6 days ago
Larches showing off brilliant fall colors
20 this month · 47 reports
Red Top Lookout
Central Cascades
updated 2 weeks ago
The trail to Red Top Lookout is in good condition and snow-free as of October 25. The Forest Service road to the trailhead is also reported as smooth and suitable for all vehicles by multiple recent reports, including as recently as October 25. However, the lookout itself is closed for the season, as noted by a visitor on October 25 and another on October 4, meaning access to the deck is not possible. The hike is short and steep, with some reports mentioning many families and children on the trail. Bugs are not an issue, with no reports of them in any of the recent visits.
Generated from 20 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Red Top Lookout
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No, the lookout structure is closed for the season. Visitors noted on October 25 and October 4 that it was not open, and therefore access to the deck was not possible.
The Forest Service road to the trailhead is in excellent condition and suitable for all vehicles, according to reports from October 25, October 4, and July 28. Multiple visitors described it as smooth and well-maintained.
The trail is reported to be in good condition and snow-free as of October 25. It is a short and steep hike, well-trodden with some rocky sections.
No, bug reports are consistently absent. Visitors on October 25, October 4, and July 28 all indicated that there were no bugs.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
I was most impressed by the Forest Service road to the trail head. It was smooth the whole way and suitable for any car. I feel like I got my money's worth out of my Northwest Forest pass on just this...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
We made a quick trip up to Red Top for sunset. Initially Google Maps tried to take us up Storm Creek Road but the gate was closed so we backtracked and took 9738 Blue Creek Road instead. It was in goo...
Older3 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
What a stupendous view for such a short hike and relatively short drive on a decently-maintained forest service road (which I was happy to take at 15-20 mph for a short half-hour), others could drive ...
Older4 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
Follow the directions in the "Getting There". Google Map shows a few different routes. But don't take FS-115 unless you have a 4x4 with high ground clearance and don't mind scratching your car with ...
Older4 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
A perfect day for a fire lookout hike! The Red Top Lookout hike has to be one of the shortest hikes to a lookout in the PNW. The hike is less than a 1/2 mile to the lookout from the trailhead and it t...
Older4 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
Beautiful day for a hike up to Red Top. It was completely clear and not too hot. No bugs either. Both FR 9738 and 9702 are in good condition, though they do get narrow in places.There were about 10–12...
Older6 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
Coming from North Fork Teanaway Rd I drove the 17 miles of gravel Jack Creek Road 9738 to arrive at the Red Top parking lot on an early weekday morning with the whole place to myself. Blue Creek Rd a...
Older8 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
This a trip report for an ascent of Peak 4049 which is a nice peak that is between Red Top Lookout and Highway 97. I added the Red Top Lookout as NF Road 9738 (Blue Creek Road) is closed to wheeled ve...
Older9 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
I reached the lookout via the blue creek road/blue creek trailTL:DR the snow conditions are really abysmal. Patchy and postholing hell. I would not recommend unless you really enjoy a good day of hard...
Older13 months ago
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
We have volunteered for fire watch duty at the Red Top Fire Lookout many times. We were last there on September 20-21 (volunteers can stay overnight!). To clarify a few issues regarding the road and ...