We left our car quite a ways from the lookout and walked as we had the low slung car at that time. Otherwise, you can almost drive to it. I think I remember it being gated just below the structure, but I could be wrong. This is such a cool lookout with the interesting stairs and the gorgeous views. You could likely stay somewhere nearby, but I doubt people actually backpack to it unless it's snowed in. It's a long road system, and we came in from Entiat side. There are other ways to approach it. We were visiting Steliko and Tyee the same weekend so we did it that way.