Mount Pilchuck Trail

Mount Pilchuck is a very, very popular hike, but it’s worth the effort! With a trailhead set at a higher elevation, this hike earns you up-top views without quite as much effort as you’d expect. Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics dominate the horizon from atop the lookout. While there’s still some calf-burning required, it’s an accessible hike for most intermediate hikers and offers solid reward for your efforts.

There are a few things to know before heading out to Mount Pilchuck. Firstly, this hike gets very, very busy on summer weekends. If you can manage to go during the week, you’ll have much more of the trail to yourself. Second, this trail can be hazardous or very hard to follow in poor weather, particularly snow. It’s recommended that you check in with the ranger and sign in at the trailhead before departing as a surprising number of rescues take place on this mountain. Finally, don’t underestimate the access road to the trailhead. The potholes are massive!

With all that in mind, the trail begins from the parking area near the trailhead. There is an immediate junction where you’ll want to stay right, crossing a stream that has no bridge across it (sandals may be helpful).

About a quarter of a mile in, you’ll see a sign that welcomes you to Mount Pilchuck State Park. This is one of the last signs you’ll see on the trail. A mile in, you’ll come to a scree slope. Don’t be tempted to scramble straight up; rather, look for an orange marker on your left that will direct you back to the trail.

Leaving the forest behind, you’ll be able to spot the lookout atop the summit. Make note of where this is, as hikers have been known to lose their way on the summit approach and end up far off-trail.

Hike up the slope. Near the cone of the summit, you’ll see a brown sign pointing down to the parking lot. If you don’t see this sign, you’re in the wrong spot, potentially on a false summit.
Passing the sign, loop around the peak to the top. Here you’ll find the restored fire lookout, originally built in 1921 and renovated several times since. The atmosphere up here is often happy and convivial, so eat your lunch in the company of your fellow hikers and enjoy the view.

Once you’re ready, retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Take care to follow the trail on the way down to avoid losing your way.

Hiking Route Highlights

Mount Rainier

The tallest mountain in the state is a dominant part of your view on the Mount Si Trail. This 14409ft stratovolcano is an iconic sight and the highlight of your view while hiking this route.

Mount Baker

Mount Baker, also known as Koma Kulshan, is a 10781ft glaciated stratovolcano. It’s the second-most thermally active volcano in the Cascade Range after Mount St. Helens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hike Mount Pilchuck in the winter?

While it’s probably tempting to hike this trail in the winter to skip the crowds, we don’t recommend it. The trail can become very easy to lose in the snow, and slippery conditions pose a real threat on certain sections. The road to the trailhead is also subject to seasonal closures.

Is Mount Pilchuck a volcano?

Nope, Mount Pilchuck is not a volcano. It’s your regular-style mountain.

What pass do I need for Mount Pilchuck?

Please have your Northwest Forest Pass ready for this hike.