- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Park Butte Fire Lookout Hiking Guide (& Spending the Night)
Park Butte Fire Lookout is an iconic trail in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re seeking an opportunity to stay overnight in this historic fire lookout or wish to see it as a day hike, it’s worth the trip. Hike through alpine meadows, through forest, and along ridge lines.
Originally established in 1932, the Park Butte Fire Lookout hoped to protect the Mount Baker Wilderness Area by means of preventing wildfires and increasing firefighting in the area. Now the fire lookout is retired, but it remains an important piece of Washington State History.
In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know before getting to the trail, how to stay in the fire lookout, what to expect along the route, and so much more. Let’s get into it!
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Comprehensive Hiking and Backpacking Guide for Park Butte Fire Lookout
Park Butte was designated as a 100 Classic Hike of Washington by Ira Springs and Harvey Manning and has remained in the new editions of the 100 Classic Hikes of Washington book by Craig Ramano. The trail is now considered a “legacy” hike.
The trail does this title justice with its captivating views of Mount Baker and the surrounding North Cascade peaks.
If you haven’t completed the Park Butte Trail yet, consider bumping it up your list.
General Park Butte Trail Information
Trail Stats
Region: North Cascades
Distance: 7.4 miles – Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Level: Moderate
Time: 4 hours
When to go?: Mid-July – Oct.
Pass/Permit?: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs Allowed?: Yes – on a leash
Where is the Trailhead located?
Park Butte is located on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, as well as the Upper Skagit and Sauk Suiattle Tribes. We are grateful for the stewards of this land past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Getting to the Trail
From I-5, take Highway Exit 230 and head east on Highway 20. Remain on Highway 20 for 23 miles. Turn left on Baker Lake Road. Turn left on Forest Road 12 after 12 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 13 until the road ends at the trailhead.
Trailhead Facilities
The trailhead is located at the end of a long forest service road.
There are four pit toilets, multiple bear-proof garbage cans, and a blue bag station.
Additionally, the trailhead has multiple campsites that can be used for campers looking to camp at the trailhead the night before their trek. They are available only for a single night at a time.
Season to visit
The best seasons to visit are summer and fall.
In the summer, the trail will be (almost) fully accessible with snow patches remaining on the trail until late July.
In the fall the wild blueberry and huckleberry bushes turn vibrant fall colors making for the perfect fall trail.
Passes/Permits
To park at the trailhead, visitors need a Northwest Forest Pass.
The Northwest Forest Pass has an annual fee of $30 and provides access to all Washington and Oregon National Forests for a year.
You can purchase a Northwest Forest Pass Here!
Sno-Park Passes are required from Nov 1 – April 30.
Hiking Park Butte
The Park Butte Trail begins in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest at the same trailhead as the Scott Paul trail. Here is what you can expect along each section of the trail.
Beginning
The initial part of the trail meanders through the Schriebersvalley with minimal elevation gain.
You will immediately cross over a bridge to keep your feet dry from Sulphur Creek. With such close proximity to the trailhead, you’ll be ecstatic to see this bridge on your return trek.
Most of this section has wooden planks along the route providing easy, level walking through this marshy area.
You will be in this section for about 1.2 miles.
Forest Section
The forest section provides your first taste of true incline on the trail.
Meandering through the forest, you’ll come to a rocky river crossing. Look for a sign that indicates a “hiker bridge”. By early summer the bridge will be installed, however, in the off-season, the bridge will be removed.
Continue through the forest, following the switchbacks. There are large pull-offs in this section that make for great break areas.
Meadow Area
The Moritz meadow section following the forest ascent is a welcomed break from the forested switchbacks. The meadow area has a gentle grade with sporadic stream crossings.
In the late summer, after the snow has fully melted, the meadow is in full bloom with lupine, pearly everlasting, and Indian paintbrush.
If you’re planning on staying overnight on the lookout, fill up on water in the streams. There is no water access near the top of the lookout.
This beautiful area has the first unencumbered views of Mount Baker since the beginning of the Park Butte Trail. Near the end of the meadow area, you’ll see the Park Butte Lookout in the distance.
Uphill Push
The last uphill push to the Park Butte Fire Lookout is steep but short. Skirting around a rock tower, the trail gains elevation quickly.
Eventually, you’ll find yourself walking along the spine of the ridge line leading to the lookout.
Along the way, you’ll pass a handful of campsites for backpackers.
The trail splits. One route is a more forest, but steeper route to the fire lookout, while the other is a longer but gentler ascent. Before long you’ll find yourself climbing the last couple of rocks to the three steps leading to the lookout.
Park Butte Fire Lookout
The Park Butte Lookout is located on the ridge line between Mount Baker, the Sisters, Glacier Peak, Shucsocn, and the North Cascades Range. The structure was built in 1932 as a means to prevent wildfire and increase firefighting in the area.
The fire tower has a double bed, a table, two low cabinets, and plenty of floor space. With careful maneuvering, it can sleep 11, and comfortably sleep 8.
Sleeping in the fire tower happens on a first come, first serve basis. However, no single person or group can claim the Park Butte fire tower for themselves. They must share if there is room.
Visitors to the fire lookout can sign the logbook, relax in one of the folding chairs, or look for Mount Baker summit-ers with binoculars. However, be sure to pack out all the garbage and leave it better if you can!
What to Pack for Park Butte
If you’re planning on staying overnight in the Park Butte Fire Tower, you should pack for a standard backpacking trip since you will not be guaranteed a spot in the fire tower.
For a full list of backpacking gear, check out my blog post on essential backpacking gear here!
Backpacking Gear
The fire lookout has a double bed, but it is not guaranteed to be available. My favorite sleeping pad is the Exped Ultra 5R.
Sleeping Bag
Even in the summer months, nights are cool in the fire tower. A sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 30 Degrees would work best. For ultimate comfort for side sleepers, the Sea to Summit Ascent is the best lightweight sleeping bag.
Tent
Since a spot inside the fire lookout is not guaranteed, make sure you pack a shelter. Otherwise, you can try out cowboy camping on the porch! My favorite backpacking tent is the Big Agnes Copper Spur.
Chair
There are some chairs in the fire lookout, but packing a backpacking chair will increase comfort while you sit back and enjoy the sunset from the fire lookout. The Nemo Moonlite backpacking chair is Hyperlite and comfortable.
Stove
For easy cooking in the fire tower, pack a Jetboil and dehydrated meal. My favorite dehydrated meal by Backpackers Pantry is the Pad Thai!
Clothes
Camp Shoes
This is the ultimate opportunity to kick off your hiking boots and put on some comfortable camping shoes. Teva Hurricanes are comfortable while still sturdy enough to trek around the terrain.
Thermal Jacket
Bring a warm layer even in the summer months. A lightweight puffy will come in handy when waking up early to catch sunrise. The Patagonia Nano Puff is the perfect summer evening layer.
Tips for Staying in the Park Butte Fire Lookout
Staying inside the Park Butte Fire Lookout is a spectacular experience and you’re likely to make new friends in the process.
When I stayed in the fire lookout with my friend Caitlynn (@weeden_wanders), we shared the fire lookout with 9 other people. To say it was crowded is an understatement.
Here are some tips for staying in the lookout:
- Start Your Trek Early: Either car camp in the primitive campsites at the trailhead the night before or prepare to start your hike to the lookout around 7 am.
- Fill Up Water in Moritz Meadows: There are limited water sources in close proximity to the fire lookout. Filter your water in Moritz Meadows or fill your water containers to be filtered later.
- Claim Your Space: Once you get to the lookout, lay out your sleeping pad to claim your space.
- Welcome All: Be open to the different people you’ll meet! You never know what connections you’ll make.
- Mosquito Spray: The fire lookout does not protect you from mosquitos. In fact, you’re less protected from mosquitos in the lookout than in a tent. Pack lots of bug spray.
Any other questions about staying in the fire lookout? Drop them in the comments and I would be happy to answer them!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the park butte lookout trail?
The Park Butte Lookout trail is 7.4 miles roundtrip with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. The trail typically takes 4.5 hours or more to complete.
What is the elevation of the park butte lookout?
The Park Butte Lookout is at 5,450 feet of elevation. Hikers will need to gain 2,200 feet of elevation to reach the lookout.
Can you stay overnight in park butte lookout?
Yes! You can stay overnight in the Park Butte Lookout on a first-come, first-serve basis. The lookout is open to all visitors and cannot be claimed for exclusive use. Even if you get to the lookout first, others can still stay in there with you if there is room.
Who manages the Park Butte Fire Lookout?
The park butte fire lookout is managed by the Skagit Alpine Club.
Donations for the maintenance of the fire lookout can be made at skagitalpineclub.com/lookout
Should Park Butte be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, Should Park Butte be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
Fire Lookout trails in Washington are some of the most popular trails in the state and Park Butte is no different. This gorgeous trail should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington.
Tucked in the North Cascades, the 360 views are some of the best in the area from the wrap-around porch of the fire lookout.
Let me know in the comments if you think Park Butte should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
If you’d like to complete your own 100 Classic Hikes journey, you can purchase the book here.
Other Trails in the Area
Looking to do more hiking in the area? Here are three more fantastic trails in the area:
Chain lakes - heather Meadows
Another phenomenal trail that can be completed as a day trip or overnight. This loop trail is a favorite for the gorgeous, gem-colored lakes and beautiful wildflowers. Learn more here.
Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
This otherworldly trail is truly breathtaking. Hike along the ridgeline to get epic views of Mount Baker. Get the trail guide here!
Lake Ann
Complete a relaxing backpacking trip in the backcountry to the gorgeous Lake Ann. Details Here!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
