Heybrook Lookout Trailhead

Hiking area · Snohomish County

Heybrook Lookout Trailhead

Hiking area · Snohomish County

2

313 9th St, Gold Bar, WA 98251

Photos

Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by Cavan Images/Getty
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null
Heybrook Lookout Trailhead by null

Highlights

Accessible fire lookout tower with steep hike and amazing views  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder
Placeholder

313 9th St, Gold Bar, WA 98251 Get directions

wta.org

Information

Static Map

313 9th St, Gold Bar, WA 98251 Get directions

wta.org

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Sep 7, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@cntraveler

13 Best Hikes in Seattle | Condé Nast Traveler

"On a forested ridge on Highway 2, one of the few roads that cuts across Washington's towering Cascade Mountains, the Heybrook fire lookout pokes out from above the treetops. Though there are many fire lookouts across the Pacific Northwest, Heybrook is one of the most accessible. The Forest Service has been scouting for fires here since 1925, though the current 67-foot tower dates only to 1964. The hike up to the base of the structure is a little over a mile, but climbs 850 feet, manageable for most hikers as long as they don't try to rush it. Once you hit the lookout it's another 89 steps up a staircase to the top." - Hannah Kirshner, Allison Williams

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hikes-in-seattle
View Postcard for Heybrook Lookout Trailhead
@postcardnews

A short, punchy climb near Index ends at a historic fire lookout with big-peak views; the top cabin can be reserved in summer. A fine early-season leg-stretcher often noted by local editors and WTA. Northwest Forest Pass required.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mbs/recreation/trails/heybrook-lookout-trail-1070
Best Hikes Near Seattle (2025)
View Postcard for Heybrook Lookout Trailhead

Erika Melby

Google
The first sunny and warm weekend of 2024 brought us to Heybrook lookout, as the hike is known to be pretty short and sweet. We logged 2.6 miles round trip, and took our time getting to the top so the whole trip came in at just under 2 hours. Something I wasn’t prepared for was the elevation gain being consistent. Some hikes you see 800ft elevation gain and that happens all at once and you get it over with, that’s not Heybrook Lookout. The trails elevation gain is 850ft and as soon as enter the trail you will be going uphill for the next hour or so. You think that would be easier than all at once, but it’s not, and the loads of people stopped on the side of the trail would tell you the same thing. Still, I would say this is a short and sweet hike for beginners, with a sweet view at the end.

Lisa Zinkie

Google
A challenging hike but so worth it. It’s not super steep but you will be going up a lot. The tower at the top is worth the hike as are the views.

Natalie Davis

Google
It was clear where to park with plenty of walking space to not be in the road. Trail was clearly marked and a great little workout. Con - too many people left their dogs poop bags on the trail though.

M S

Google
This is a short and fun hike, but moderately steep. We tried a pace of 15min/mile and easily reached heart rate zone 3 within 5 mins. Parking is a pullout along Highway 2 and limited to about 30 cars. We were there Sunday at about 2 pm and were lucky to find 2 available parking spots. At the end of the trail is the lookout tower with a total of 86 steps to reach the top (still a floor below the restricted but bookable cabin). There were probably about 7 groups of hikers at the tower; not too crowded. If you're planning to picnic there, do watch out for the fearless gray jay. These birds will fly down to grab your food if you're not paying attention. And if you simply lift up your hands pretending to serve out food, it will fly down and perch on your hand. Fun! 😁

Jen Olsun

Google
Beautiful, steep trail. Lots of kids, families, dogs on Saturday afternoon. Parking lot is on the 2 so a bit loud for a while. Lookout is really cool, the mountain views are amazing.

Joel Weber

Google
Such a beautiful and worthwhile trail..! True, the first 20 minutes will feel like a continuous stairmaster and you will burn lots of calories. (But keep going) Took me, an out of shape 50 year old 35 minutes each way. Plan to climb up the wooden tower for spectacular views. Mostly shaded and surrounded by majestic trees.

Azalea Jhalli

Google
Parking lot fills up quickly, as its right off the highway. Trail itself is clean, easy and perfect for family's and dogs with a couple steep parts. Took us about 40 mins up and 30 mins to go back down. It was a warm sunny day but youre in shade most of the time and there is a nice breeze at the top with a view of the mountains. Didn’t come across any streams so make sure to bring water.

Linh Clark

Google
Fun short workout hike about 2.3 miles up and down. Elevation gain a little over 1,000 feet. The elevation gain is intent, but short hike. Beautiful view at the fire house look out. Parking maybe limited. It can be crowded on a sunny day.