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Mount Pilchuck [5 hike reports]
Washington > North Cascades > Granite+Falls Pictures | Trailhead Location | Hike Reports
The Mount Pilchuck hike ends atop the mountain at a restored fire lookout that was originally built in 1920. The fire lookout gives great, 360 degree views of the entire Puget Sound area. Seattle's buildings are visible in the background and Mt. Baker is visible to the north along with many other Cascade peaks. The trail begins in a forested area and it steadily climbs the entire way to the top. Huge slabs of granite try to impede your progress but they make fascinating objects to look at. The view at the top is well worth it but fog isn't uncommon in the area so plan ahead!

Type Length Difficulty Rating Gain Latitude Longitude
View 6 mi 3 / 5 9 / 10 2400 ft 48° 4' 13.4'' N 121° 48' 51.8'' W

People
Hikers, Dogs

Accessibility
June-November

Cost
Federal Northwest Forest Pass

Maps
Green Trails: #109 Granite Falls
USGS: Granite Falls
Elevation Stats
Elevation profile for Mount Pilchuck
Trailhead:3120'
Low Point:3120'
High Point:5320'
Destination:5230'
Gain:2400'
 
Hike Featured In...
Day Hiking North Cascades
By Craig Romano
  
Trailhead Location
GPS Coordinates:
48° 4' 13.4'' N
121° 48' 51.8'' W
Contact Information:
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Darrington Ranger District
1405 Emens Avenue North
Darrington, Washington 98241
Tel: 360.436.1155
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/
Driving Directions:
From Granite Falls, E (left ) for 12 miles on Mountain Loop Highway, Right on Forest Service Road 42 for 7 miles to trailhead.


Pictures
A look up of the foggy Mount Pilchuck
A look up of the foggy Mount Pilchuck

A look up of the foggy Mount Pilchuck The rocky view looking up toward the mountain Trees sprouting up out of the rocky ground The rocky trail with a view of the valley below Your first glimpse of the lookout at the top
A view amongst the clouds Snowy cliffs Another cloudy view Some lush green forests below Another view below

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Recent Hike Reports [view all]+ Add Hike Report
Mount Pilchuck - by jarodmartinSunday, August 01, 2010
This is a great hike! You start off the first mile or so in the woods. When you come out of the woods you walk through a whole bunch of boulder fields, granite slabs, and alpine like gardens. When you get to the top you bear left to get to the old fire lookout. Very cool when you get to the top. You can see Lake Stevens, Mt Baker, and even the Puget Sound if it's clear enough. I brought my dog and didn't know that they couldn't make it up to the fire tower cause you have to cli.....
Miles Hiked:6
Trail Condition:Good
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Crowds:Moderate
View Full Report
Mount Pilchuck - by Thumper32kSunday, August 01, 2010
Pretty amazing hike! The alpine forests and all the little lakes were very cool to see. The lookout at the top made all the rock climbing totally worth it. Only thing I have to complain about it all the bugs. Seems like I spent the majority of the hike running away from them.   
Miles Hiked:6
Trail Condition:Great
Weather:Partly Cloudy
Crowds:Moderate
View Full Report
Mount Pilchuck - by mczumba4lifeTuesday, July 27, 2010
Awesome Hike! Wear sturdy hiking shoes! Spectacular Views! 5 and 7 year old hiked to summit/fire lookout!   
Miles Hiked:6
Trail Condition:Good
Weather:Sunny
Crowds:Light
View Full Report

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