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If you told me that you can get some incredible views just by pulling off to the side of the road and walking up the hill for about 30 minutes, I wouldn’t have believed you.
However, that’s exactly what the experience is like for the Heybrook Lookout Trail. It’s a very short, moderately easy trail that offers 360 degree views of the Cascades.
The Heybrook Lookout Tower is located about 23 miles east of Monroe, WA. The parking area is a large shoulder North of the Highway at mile marker 37. The trial itself is approximately 1.2 miles one way with an elevation gain of 970 ft, and offers stunning views of the Cascades.
Of course, it’s one thing to read about it and quite another to experience it for yourself. In the meantime, read on to see what you can expect if you decide to take your family on this hike!
Table of Contents
At A Glance
| Info | Heybrook Lookout |
|---|---|
| Drones | Prohibited |
| Elevation | Gain: 970 ft. Highest Point: 1,824 ft. |
| Distance | 2.6 miles, rountrip |
| Difficulty | Beginner-Moderate |
| Parking | Free |
| Season | Early Spring to Late Fall |
- There are no restroom facilities at this site.
- There is a picnic table at the foot of the Lookout tower.
Heybrook Lookout Entrance & Parking
One morning my wife and I had a bright idea about hiking some of the local trails within the area.
Now we aren’t exactly in the best of shape, so we wanted to start out with something that didn’t require a lot of preparation. Something that we could do in an afternoon or on a whim.
That’s when we found the Heybrook Lookout Tower and decided to get up bright and early to catch the sunrise sweeping through the valley.
So off we went.
At milepost 37 along Route 2, just past the sign for the Snoqualmie National Forest, is a very inconspicuous turnoff that doesn’t appear to be anything important, but this is actually the entrance to the trailhead.
The shoulder can accommodate about 20 vehicles or so, and there were only 2 other vehicles here when we arrived before 7am.
They say this is a very popular spot, but we weren’t interrupted at all during our hike!
Right when walking up the trail, you’ll notice that you quickly get lost in the forestry and soon you will no longer hear much of the highway.
Hiking The Heybrook Lookout Trail
Immediately we are off to a good start as the sun starts to break through the valley, but we realize that we should have gotten to the site a bit earlier if we wanted to watch the show from the tower.
It is evident that the trail is maintained quite well by the Washington Trails Association. And before entering the forest, you are reassured that there wont be too many surprises by seeing a nice log path.
It’s little touches like this that remind you that someone is keeping an eye out.
However, there were a few obstacles that needed to be climbed over once we started getting deeper into the forest, which can be expected after some heavy rains and winds.
In some areas of the trail, the natural tree root system and large rocks serve as stair steps up the mountain.
Sun light is becoming more scarce as the forest gets dark and thick, and you begin to lose track of what hour it is.
The chirping of birds echo throughout the trees in a natural harmony that makes you feel at home, and the worries of life start to melt away.
But soon you are reminded that nature can be cruel as well. Here is where the ground begins to get soft and muddy, so much so that being cautious didn’t stop us from slipping around every corner, twisting ankles aplenty.
Recommended Equipment
If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t walk to the mailbox without slipping down your driveway after a brief rain, and the Heybrook trail is like a slippery driveway with a vengeance.
Although not required, we highly recommend bringing along a pair of “Crampons” for your hiking boots (Amazon) for better traction.
View From The Heybrook Lookout Tower
About 3/4th of the way up the trail is when the sun starts to poke through the trees to remind you that the day has carried on without you, and you start to see some teases of the new views you are about to experience.
Even though you will be tempted to stop and take your pictures, you’re almost to the top of the trail, so keep going!
By the time we got up to the top, our legs were spaghetti and our lungs were well exercised.
Once you turn the corner, gasping for air (if you’re like me and not in very good shape), you’ll be greeted by a very large tower that is taller than any of the surrounding trees.
The irony here is that although the view looks good to the south, your view is still blocked by the nearby forest and the best is yet to come.
Here is a great spot to stop and take a breather and enjoy the fresh air. There’s even a picnic table at the site where you and your friends/family can have your breakfast/lunch before climbing the tower.
And here we have a 360 degree view of all the surrounding mountains, from Mt. Baring and Mt. Persis, to Bridal Veil Falls on the side of Mt. Index.
We should have brought some binoculars!
Even though we missed our sunrise hour, the sheer magnificence of the views at the top of the tower were worth the trip where you can see the majesty of God’s creation in full display.
We won’t spoil any more of the view from this location, because it’s worth seeing for yourself!
Definitely check out this short hike the next time you are out of the house and have an hour or two to fill.
