Mount Pilchuck

Mount Pilchuck is a Western Washington essential, it is a rite of passage for the numerous adventures off of Mountain Loop Highway in Mount Baker National Forest. It is what Mount Si is to North Bend. Taverns, grocery stores, and much more carries the name Pilchuck. What makes this old fire lookout so awesome? Well, it isn't just one thing that makes it what it is. Perhaps, the thing that makes it so popular, is the allure.

The allure got me. I found myself at the trailhead, more excited than I expected. Finally, the much talked about Mount Pilchuck was in my sights.  The weather called for rain, and as we continued up to the summit, there was a small hope that the clouds were clearing. 

Washington Trail Association rates this hike as intermediate, I found it pretty enjoyable. Keep in mind, I am frolicking through mountains two to three days a week, and stay pretty active at the gym, so this hike was pretty easy for me.  My group did make one stop about halfway up for a snack break on one of the numerous boulders that litter the trail. 

The scenery of this hike is breath-taking. The epic views of water and surrounding mountains give you the push to keep on going to the summit. There is also left over bolts and wires from a previous structure. Snow makes an appearance in the last half mile, this is when my heart began ache. The wind had picked up and the clouds began to sock us in. We paused before the last little scramble before the Lookout.

Listen, if you don't feel comfortable doing these things, you probably should not be on the mountain. A woman, probably about my age freaked out on the way down from the scramble. Yelling at my friend that she was just gonna have to wait. She was shaking and freaking out, the wind was howling and the snow and ice made it slick. Trust me, it is better to build up to these things, than put others at risk. You should probably wear the proper attire too, fashion boots and hoodies usually are not acceptable.

Clouds seeming to lift from the mountains in the distance on Mount Pilchuck.

Finally, after waiting for her to fumble and yell down, it was our turn to go up. The scramble is brief, the boulders are huge, so you just have to watch your step so you don't fall into an empty space, the snow and ice make you a little extra cautious.  After the scramble, you get to a little metal ladder to the lookout. IT WAS WINDY, and there was no view. There were about 10 other people in the lookout snapping photos and braving the wind out of the deck.

Although, we could not see the glorious view, it was still a pretty amazing hike. 5,327ft up, and I had a huge smile on my face. There was the history of the Lookout inside and random scribblings from fellow hikers. I felt it weird that some local stoners had gone through and scribbled "4/20" and other weed references around the lookout. But I did make mine, yet another tribute to Liz Daley, lost in an avalanche in September. 

#LiveLikeLiz Everyday

 My group was lucky, at no point was the lookout crowded and we were able to hang out for about 45 minutes. Enjoying our snacks and of course my celebratory Rainier. Everyone was very friendly, and happy to get out of the wind. I couldn't believe how windy it was, and again was reminded that Mother Nature is never to be messed with.

As we headed down, tons more people were headed up. The way down was easy and not too bad on the knees. The weather changes fast in the Mount Baker area, so please do not come unprepared, especially if you are with young children. I can't wait to return to Pilchuck in the late Spring when I can enjoy the view and maybe even stay up in the lookout.

Get out there. Stay wild.

Until the next adventure.