2.8 miles RT, Elevation Gain 1,425 feet, High Point 5,587

A short but stiff 1.4 mile climb (2.8 miles RT) through an old burn, old growth forest, and alpine meadows to a restored fire lookout standing sentinel over the western flanks of the Wild Sky Wilderness.

The first half mile climbs steeply on a narrow trail through old timber cuts and the Evergreen Mountain Burn of 1967. This was inadvertently set by loggers during a timber operation on the south side of the mountain.

Soon, wilderness is reached. Hikers will now enjoy a narrower, wilder trail and an easier grade. Walk through young, regenerating forest to old growth mountain hemlock. At just under a mile, the trail leaves the forest for the splendor of alpine meadows and ever- increasing views of our Nation’s newest wilderness (and beyond) as you follow the ridge crest toward your destination.

The trail swings around the north side of the mountain for one final push to the lookout, perched atop the 5,587 foot summit. Here, 360 degree views of peaks near and far soar above carpets of wildflower dotted meadows.

Stuart, Daniel, Hinman and other Snoqualmie friends lie to the south with Rainier watching over them all. To the west, view the gems of Wild Sky - Merchant, Gunn, and Spire – and to the north, gaze upon the Monte Cristo massif, Sloan, and Whitehorse.

The meadows of Fortune and Grizzly backed by the Poet Peaks and Nason Ridge round your view to the east.

Note – This is a dry trail, so bring plenty of water.

There are no toilet facilities at the trailhead although there are places that will service

this need.

Once leaving the Beckler River Road, the roads are quite good until one gets within a half mile or so of the trailhead. However, my 2004 Subaru made it with no difficulty and any reasonable 4-wheel drive vehicle should be able to make it with no worries.

A definite plus – there were lots of blueberries to quench our thirsts along the way. The usual varieties at that elevation.

Link: Evergreen Mountain Lookout

Leader: Joanie Pryor