Destination Details for Hidden Lake Lookout

Northwest WA

We have helped people who were lost on this trail in the mist and off trail in the rocky section. Please be really careful! Even though the trail is wildly popular on good weather days, not as many people are out there to help on bad weather days. Two people have died on this trail in the last couple years so do NOT take it for granted. If you aren't experienced, do NOT go there in bad weather. Don't plan on getting the lookout either as it is quite popular these days. Be aware of the boundary between the Park and Forest Service. You have to have a permit to camp on Park side and can't take dogs there. There is camping in several areas, but please use established sites. If you are interested in donating to Friends of Hidden Lake Lookout, please let us know. Funds are used for maintenance of the lookout.

Site
Structure
Kari visited
Dave visited
Hike
Backpack
Snowshoe
Popularity: 8
Navigation: 3
Strenuous: 5
GPS Coordinates: 48.495330, -121.204862 Open in Caltopo
Mileage: 7.00
Elevation Gain: 3400
Available Links
Peakbaggers
WTA
  • WTA Link
  • Region: North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
  • Elevation Gain: 3300
  • Distance: 8.0 miles, roundtrip
  • High Point: 6900
Dari Trip Reports
Lookout Structure Details for Hidden Lake Lookout: Open to the Public
Friends of Hidden Lake Lookout/open to public

This lookout is incredibly popular. The road has been in poor shape due to constant use so beware. Also do NOT plan to stay in the lookout as it may already be full. Bring a tent and supplies to camp elsewhere. Camping below lookout is limited. Be mindful not to leave garbage. We help care for this one, and it really sucks to deal with lots of garbage. Most people expect to stay in it if there is room. The old first come first served doesn't seem to be what most people think should happen anymore. Be prepared to share it with day visitors also. Do not try to keep visitors out. It is a public structure. There is a potty about 350 feet below the lookout - on the side without the dropoff. There is no heat source. Closest water is in meadow below lookout - small tarn or snow if it hasn't melted. Getting down to lake isn't super easy.
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