Hiking Thorp Mountain Lookout: A Hidden Gem in the Cascades
Looking for a stunning hike with panoramic views and a historic fire lookout? Thorp Mountain Lookout is a hidden gem nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascades, offering breathtaking scenery, wildflower-filled meadows, and a peaceful summit experience.
This moderately challenging trail rewards hikers with 360-degree views, including Kachess Lake below, Mount Rainier in the distance, and rugged peaks like Mount Daniel and Mount Stuart to the north. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Seattle, making it accessible for a long day trip, a weekend getaway, or a backpacking adventure! No matter how long you stay, Thorp Mountain is an unforgettable destination.
🏞 Trail Overview: Thorp Mountain Lookout Hike
✔ Distance: 8–9 miles round trip (varies slightly depending on the starting point)
✔ Elevation Gain: ~2,500 feet
✔ Difficulty: Moderate
✔ Time to Hike: 4–6 hours round trip
✔ Best Time to Visit: July – October
✔ Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
🌿 When to Hike Thorp Mountain
The best time to hike Thorp Mountain Lookout is mid-summer to early fall.
🌸 Summer (July – August)
✔ Wildflowers are in full bloom, covering the meadows in vibrant colors
✔ Warmer temperatures make for a comfortable hike
✔ The fire lookout is occasionally staffed during peak season
🍂 Fall (September – October)
✔ Cooler temperatures and crisp mountain air
✔ Stunning golden larch trees in late September
✔ Fewer crowds, offering a more solitary experience
🚧 Early season hiking (June or earlier) is not recommended due to lingering snow, which can make the trail difficult to follow.
🥾 The Hike: What to Expect
The trailhead varies depending on your route. The most common starting point is the Thorp Creek Trailhead, which leads through lush forests, open meadows, and switchbacks before reaching the lookout.
🚶♂️ Trail Breakdown
✔ Start: A Gentle Ascent
The hike begins with a gradual incline through a shaded forest, making for a pleasant and peaceful start.
✔ Midway: Wildflowers & Expansive Views
As you climb higher, the forest opens up to sweeping mountain views and vibrant wildflower meadows (especially in July and August). The well-maintained switchbacks make the climb enjoyable.
✔ Final Push: Steeper Climb to the Lookout
The last stretch steepens considerably, requiring a bit more effort to reach the summit. But once you arrive, the 360-degree views make every step worth it!
⛰ At the Summit: Thorp Mountain Lookout
🏕 Camping: While the lookout itself is small, there is space for one tent at the top if you’re looking for a solitary, unforgettable night under the stars. Additional campsites are available at Thorp Lake, just below the summit.
💨 Weather: Be prepared for strong winds at the summit! Even on a warm summer day, it can feel much cooler at the top.
🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Views: If you’re camping overnight, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking sunrise and sunset colors stretching across the horizon.
🗺 Photography Points of Interest
🏞 Thorp Lake: A great option for those looking to camp at a lower elevation or take a side trip for a refreshing alpine dip.
🏔 Views of Mount Rainier & Alpine Peaks: On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Rainier, Mount Daniel, and Mount Stuart—a stunning backdrop to your adventure.
🌸 Plentiful fields of wildflowers – perfect for macro shots!
📷 Photography Tip: Arrive early or stay for sunset to capture the golden light over the mountains and valleys below.
🔹 Final Thoughts: Why Hike Thorp Mountain?
Thorp Mountain Lookout is a hidden gem that offers stunning alpine scenery, wildflower meadows, and panoramic views, all with fewer crowds compared to other popular hikes in the Cascades. Whether you’re a day hiker or a backpacker looking for solitude, this hike delivers an unforgettable experience.
✔ Wildflowers in summer 🌸
✔ Breathtaking 360-degree views ⛰
✔ Camping options at the summit or lake 🏕
✔ Fewer crowds compared to other lookout hikes 🚶♂️
If you’re looking for a rewarding and peaceful adventure, Thorp Mountain Lookout should be on your Washington hiking list!
📢 Have You Hiked Thorp Mountain?
Drop a comment below and share your experience! What season did you hike it in? Would you camp at the summit? I’d love to hear your thoughts! ⬇️
Welcome! I’m Amber – a Michigander settled in Washington, who’s traveled across the United States and the world. I started traveling abroad for church mission trips starting in high school and my career in the travel health care industry fueled my passion even further! My travels revolve around adventure, cultural experiences and of course – good food! As a Christian, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, scuba diving and photography to explore God’s creation. For me, the great outdoors is another way to explore my faith. I love Washington because it’s the perfect place to adventure without traveling far!
On this site, you can expect to find guides and recommendations for your next adventure & inspo to connect with your faith outdoors!
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