Destination Details for Three Fingers

Northwest WA

The road to the old trailhead of Tupso Pass washed out years ago. You need to walk from the bridge where it washed out. I have previously been to Goat Flats when it was just 8 miles roundtrip and a lovely day hike. Now you can bike to trailhead or hike it. We chose to walk 2.5 miles on the road; then take the Meadow Mountain approach. None of the trails have been maintained officially for years so MM approach had lots of blowdown, mud, and places in the upper meadow where it disappeared. We got a late start due to work so made it to Saddle Lake Shelter the first day. Next day was a long day up to Goat Flats, Tin Cup Gap, and on up to the lookout. It was mostly melted out so we were able to use the moat snow free - quite the fun little climb; then do the contour with long drop off with no snow or ice. There was still a snowfield below the lookout; then the short scramble up rocks; then the ladders and final rope to lookout. We met a couple people who came in from Tupso Pass - they took their Jeep over that bridge - crazy. I think the bridge is worse now than it was three years ago so I don't recommend it. We spent an hour in the lookout talking to others up there. It was amazing! Would suggest earlier start if not working and stay at Goat Flats as it is so beautiful there, and Saddle Lake Shelter is merely ok.

Site
Structure
Kari visited
Dave visited
Hike
Backpack
Snowshoe
Popularity: 4
Navigation: 3
Strenuous: 7
GPS Coordinates: 48.16952, -121.68783 Open in Caltopo
Mileage: 15.00
Elevation Gain: 4200
Available Links
Peakbaggers
WTA
  • WTA Link
  • Region: North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
  • Elevation Gain: 4200
  • Distance: 15.0 miles, roundtrip
  • High Point: 6854
Dari Trip Reports
Lookout Structure Details for Three Fingers: Open to the Public
Friends of Three Fingers/Don Sanderson

Don Sanders/Friends of Three Fingers is maintaining it now. The road is still washed out. The lookout is open to the public, but be prepared for it to be full. There is a campsite below it - on a ridge and usually melted out by late summer. You can also camp in Goat Flats - it's lovely there and several sites. You can also camp at the shelter at Saddle Lake - lots of spots there.
Ask Dari Tab Content
Three Fingers Ladders
David Coate: 2024-11-10
How many ladders are there? Are they safe?