Heybrook Lookout

Lookout Hike trailhead is located on the North side of highway 2 just outside of Index. It is a steep, but relatively easy hike. The hike is only about a mile each way, gaining about 900 feet in elevation from the parking lot. So, the first half of the hike is an uphill climb on a well maintained switchback trail. There are a few small creeks as good resting spots for the kids and amazing moss covered rock formations and trees. The payoff at the top is the very tall fire lookout, which is accessible for great views of the surrounding area.

Our troop of 3 kids (ages 6-12) made the hike no problem. We were to the top and done exploring the tower in about an hour. That was a casual pace on our climb up, stopping to explore creeks and climb some of the large rocks. Coming down was about 40 minutes.

A wonderful day hike that is great for all ages that have a little experience climbing up, up, up.

Drive east on US 2 to just past mile marker 37. The trailhead is on the left (north) side of the road, opposite a big national forest entrance sign.

From pnwhikes.com:

The hike to the restored Heybrook Lookout is an easy stroll through beautiful forests that yields amazing views at its end. The trail starts just off Highway 2 and quickly leaves it behind as it climbs through second growth forests. The trail’s grade starts off gentle, and steepens a bit as it switchbacks closer to the top. Eventually you will emerge from the forest atop a ridge with the lookout towering above you. Scramble up the remaining trail to stand at the base of the 67 foot tall tower. The top of the tower gives you views of the entire area. Stevens Pass and Baring Mountain stand to the east while the white waters of the Skykomish river lie below you to the west. And to the south, the mighty Mount Index stands before you. Snow can be seen on the mountain nearly year round, as can Bridal Veil Falls as its water falls out of Lake Serene and off the mountain.

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