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This classic hike or backpack trip in the craggy North Cascades travels to a nearly 7,000-foot view of the alpine world.


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Map Key

8.1

Miles

13.1

KM

Out and Back

6,813' 2,077 m

High

3,595' 1,096 m

Low

3,260' 994 m

Up

3,262' 994 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Historical Significance · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Best hiked July - October. Snow lingers into late summer along this trail; ice axe, climbing skills, and routefinding are needed to reach the lookout in early season. Rough access road, high clearance recommended.

Overview

This is a classic North Cascades adventure to a historic lookout tower perched upon a mountain top. Expect a varied and strenuous journey through forest, wildflower meadows, and rocky slopes to reach a 360-degree view with epic photo opportunities.

Need to Know

Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. There is no pay station or restroom at the trailhead. A backcountry permit is required to camp overnight. Staying at the lookout is first-come, first-served. There are also several tent sites along the trail.

Per the NPS: "Pets and hunting are not allowed in North Cascades National Park (past the Hidden Lake col and down to the lake). Controlled pets are allowed along the trail and at the lookout (USFS)."

Description

The hike to Hidden Lake Lookout in North Cascades National Park begins with 0.8 miles of rough trail with big boulders, roots, and wash-outs, followed by a few hundred feet of nice wooden stairs built by the trail crew. After 1 mile, the forest increasingly opens and gives way to lower-lying shrubs and vegetation.

The trail steepens for the next mile with several switchbacks through thick overgrown plants in the sub-alpine. The plants in this part of the trail seem to grow up to 8 feet tall and grow into the trail, therefore wearing pants is recommended. Watch out for potential tall cow parsnip; an easily identifiable photo-toxic plant with white grouped flowers on the top and big three-pointed leaves that you do not want to touch with exposed skin.

At around 1.8 miles, the trail becomes more open with beautiful alpine wildflowers and huckleberry bushes. As you make your way up the trail, you'll notice spur trails split off and you'll likely find some snow-covered sections of trail. This is where your route-finding skills can come in handy. The trail turns east at 3.6 miles, climbing to a 6,600-foot saddle at 3.8 miles. This is a good early bailout spot with views of Hidden Lake. If you're up for a short scramble, follow the trail south to reach the lookout. Stay on the beaten path and don't attempt to scramble up technical terrain without climbing skills.
- Description by Geoffrey Marr, Outdoor Project

Flora & Fauna

The lower part of this trail is mixed fir/hemlock forest; the upper part is beautiful alpine meadow.

Contacts

Shared By:

R Craig with improvements by Brandon Fralic

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 18 votes

#658

Overall
  4.7 from 18 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#57

in Washington

#658

Overall
5 Views Last Month
2,172 Since Feb 29, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
10%
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81%
5%

Photos

View from ridge on ascent of Hidden Lake Lookout
Nov 7, 2017 near Diablo, WA
Hidden Lake and the North Cascades from Hidden Lake Lookout
Nov 7, 2017 near Diablo, WA
Hidden Lake Hut. with permission from Mike Conlan
Feb 29, 2016 near Darrington, WA
Hidden Lake Trail
Sep 11, 2019 near Diablo, WA
Hidden Lake in mid-July
May 28, 2018 near Diablo, WA
On the way, there was a divide line between snow and no snow and amazing clouds. The snow was completely gone when we hiked down.
Jun 28, 2018 near Diablo, WA

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Check-Ins

Jun 18, 2023
Jenny Ridout
Sep 1, 2019
Luke Sandstrom
4.1mi
Aug 14, 2019
Adamson Bryant
with Clare 8.5mi — 5h 13m
Aug 3, 2019
Bethany V
Jul 29, 2018
Christopher Harris
Weekend backpack with Kim and Kinsley. Overnight below the summit on western side.
Jul 13, 2018
April Schweikhard
Aug 8, 2017
Ilya Murashka
Jul 15, 2017
Arya Hezarkhani
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