10 AMAZING Firetower Lookout Hikes in Washington

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Confession: I have an obsessive love for fire towers. Can you relate? They’re a small piece of history, and of course, they offer some of the most epic views around. As soon as I spot a lookout perched high atop a mountain, it’s like the final nudge to get me to the summit. And if I get to spend the night in one? Pure heaven. Here’s a list of 10 amazing firetower lookout hikes in Washington that should definitely make it onto your bucket list!

Some history on the Fire Towers on Washington.

Fire lookouts in Washington, dating back to the early 20th century, were originally built to detect wildfires. With the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, many iconic wooden towers were constructed, some of which are still in use today. These towers were designed with panoramic windows for maximum visibility. While technology has since reduced the need for traditional lookouts, many of these historic structures remain standing as vital cultural landmarks—and some have even been converted into overnight accommodations!

How to Spend the Night in a Fire Tower?

While this post focuses on day hikes, you’ll be happy to know that some of Washington’s fire lookouts offer overnight stays. Of the six lookouts featured here, two—Park Butte and Mount Pilchuck—are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Keep in mind, that means you might have to share the space with fellow hikers. If that’s not your vibe, be prepared with a backup plan.

Alternatively, many other fire lookouts can be reserved through Recreation.gov. These spots are incredibly popular, so if you want to secure a night in a lookout, you’ll need to either book 6 months in advance (right when reservations open at 7 a.m.) or check regularly for cancellations. Good luck!

Fire Lookout Towers in Washington Today

Washington still has 93 standing fire towers, making it a prime destination for fire tower enthusiasts. To dive deeper into the history and current status of these towers, check out this impressive post on the lookouts in Washington: https://www.trailchick.com/wa-state-fire-lookouts/

The list of Best Fire Lookout Hikes in Washington

Fire Tower Lookout Hikes in Washington State, Park Butte interior

Park Butte Lookout Trail – #1 Best Fire Tower Lookout Hikes in Washington

Park Butte is at the top of this list for a very good reason. Not only are the views breathtaking, but you’re also up close and personal with Mt. Baker, one of Washington’s towering volcanoes—it feels like you could reach out and touch it. On the day I hiked this trail, fog obscured the view at first, but as the clouds moved in dramatic waves, Mt. Baker appeared, then disappeared again, creating a magical dance of nature. At sunset, the sky cleared, and I was treated to a stunning cloud inversion. The best part? Realizing just how close Mt. Baker is to the fire tower—an incredible sight to behold.

Park Butte Overview

Tolmie Peak Lookout Trail – #2 Best Fire Tower Lookout Hikes in Washington

Hiking to Tolmie Peak to watch the sunset is an epic Washington experience. And standing on the deck of the lookout tower is just the best. Without question, this is also one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.

At 5.6 miles and 1,541 ft of elevation gain it is a great for all hiking abilities. My kids really enjoyed so much about this hike. There is really something for everyone. Newts and frogs at Eunice Lake for the kids (this provided endless hours on entertainment), mountain views for me and my husband and shade most of the way for everyone.

The view of Mt.Rainier from the lookout is nothing short of majestic making it one of the best fire tower lookout hikes in Washington. I’d say its only downfall is that it’s very popular so if you can swing a weekday, do it.

Tolmie Peak Overview

Mount Fremont Lookout Tower – #3 Amazing Firetower Lookout Hikes in Washington

My kids and I did this as a sunset hike, and it really delivered. The beauty of the sunset hike of course is the golden light. And it just feels cooler and when the sun gets low, the cold mountain air hits you and it’s AHMAZING. The downside to sunset hikes, you get home at midnight. My kids roll with it and are little hiking superstars. This is especially true when we play the Harry Potter audiobook as we hike. We were all hooked at the time. We even acquired a few followers, hiking right behind us so they could listen.

This hike is gorgeous from start to finish with absolutely awesome views all around. The views make up for the crowds. It is a popular hike known for insane sunsets. We went on a weekday, and I was thankful for it.

For me the only negative with kids on this hike is the trail drops off a lot and the trail is made up of rocky scree. I felt I had to constantly keep my eyes on my kids as they aren’t always paying attention. This only occurs in a few sections, so I wasn’t tense the entire hike. Thank goodness. We also saw mountain goats and deer on this hike which is always a treat.

We walked the last mile by headlamp which is always fun. You could see a trail of bobbing headlamps coming down all around. We weren’t the only ones with the idea. I clocked 5.9 miles and 1200 feet of elevation gain.

Mount Fremont Lookout Tower Overview

Mount Pilchuck Trail – #4 Best Firetower Lookout Hikes in Washington

A classic PNW hike, this is probably already on your list. And if isn’t, it should be, its a stunning 5.2 mile hike. (And it is not incredibly long and fairly close to Seattle.) The views come and go as you hike up keeping you going. But the real treat is at the top. And if you can, plan this as a sunset hike. And of course remember your headlamp.

This is one you can sleep in and requires no reservations, its first come first serve. Every time I have been up there I have met someone who was planning to spend the night. Its a popular one!

Mount Pilchuck Overview

  • Location: Mountain Loop Highway
  • Mileage: 5.2 miles out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 2,152 ft of elevation gain
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best time to Hike: June – October
  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
  • AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-pilchuck-trail

Granite Mountain Trail – #5 Amazing Firetower Lookout Hikes in Washington

If you are looking for a terrific and challenging hike in the fall, this is a stunner! The second half of the hike is COVERED in color. It’s not easy though, climbing 3,700 ft in just over 3 miles. But if you make it to the top you are rewarded by beautiful mountain views all around. This fire tower sits off the I-90 corridor approximately 50 miles outside Seattle making it an easy to get to day hike.

And from the top, the views of the mountains go for miles. And miles.

Granite Mountain Overview

  • Location:
  • Mileage: 7.9 miles out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 3,704 ft of elevation gain
  • Difficulty: HARD
  • Best time to Hike: June – October
  • Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
  • AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/granite-mountain-trail

Goat Peak Lookout – #7 Amazing Firetower Lookout Hike in Washington

This is a perfect short and sweet fire lookout tower hike located east of Mazama on the eastern side of the North Cascades. Firstly, in the fall, the fire tower is surrounded by larches and overlooks miles of stunning mountain scenery. Um yes please. Its also an an ideal spot to watch the sunset. The combination of golden light, majestic mountains, and (in the Fall, abundant larches )creates an absolutely incredible experience. However, just be sure to pack a headlamp for the descent.

Moreover, the hike is a manageable 3.3 miles with 1,443 feet of elevation gain, making it a great option whether you’re hiking solo or with kids. The views are so impressive that this hike is worth doing at any time of year!

Goat Peak Lookout Overview

Steliko Lookout – #8 Amazing Firetower Lookout Hikes in Washington

I’ve had the pleasure of staying here twice—once solo and once with my family. It’s a fantastic spot for families, especially in the summer, since you can drive right up and park at the lookout. During both visits, I hiked the road in the snow. In fact, when I was there with my kids, it snowed almost the entire time, allowing for lots of sledding and fun in the snow.

Staying here in winter is wonderful because there’s a heater! Yes, a heater—it makes all the difference.

You can book it on recreation.gov.

Heybrook Lookout – #9 Amazing Firetower Hikes in Washington

This might be the most popular one in all of Washington. And for good reason. Easy and beautiful hike, close to Seattle and epic views. And you can even book it for an overnight stay. Beware its a popular one, I have been trying to book it for years now. Sadly to no avail.

Its a great day hike for anyone and everyone and one you can even venture to in the winter.

Heybrook Lookout Overview

Winchester Lookout – #10 Amazing Firetower Hikes in Washington

This one is probably most known for the road. Its a beast. But once you are up there at the parking lot by twin lakes its all behind you. Twin lakes are beautiful and the hike is full of incredible scenery. I mean jaw dropping.

The lookout was taken when I arrived so I pitched my tent about 50 feet away and had the best view around. Just incredible.

When I arrived at the lookout I watched a beautiful couple take photos in their wedding attire. You never know what you will find in the mountains!

Winchester Lookout Overview

What to pack for a stay in a lookout.

Since most fire towers operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there’s no guarantee you’ll have a spot, make sure to pack for an overnight adventure as if you’re heading into the backcountry. Unless you’ve already secured a reservation, it’s always better to be over-prepared. Bring your camping gear, a backup plan, and, of course, your sense of adventure!

Final Thoughts

So grab your hiking boots, pack your gear, and get ready for a true adventure. Each of these fire tower hikes offers something unique, and who knows—maybe you’ll end up falling for fire towers just like I did!

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