Sunday’s destination was Lookout Mountain, a high point 4 miles southwest of Twisp that is home to a forest fire lookout. The trail begins at an elevation of 4,300 feet and climbs to the lookout at an elevation of 5,515 feet over a distance of about 1.3 miles. The beginning section of the trail climbs steadily through ponderosa pine and mistletoe infested Douglas-Fir. There are peek-a-boo shots of the surrounding Twisp River and Methow Valleys as you go up. Eventually the trail begins to switchback up the face of the mountain before reaching the top of the ridge. Just as the trail breaks over the ridge, Lookout Ridge Trail #423 heads off to the west towards Blackpine Lake up the Twisp River Valley. At this point, more impressive views begin to unfold with the Sawtooth Range to the west. From here it’s a short ridge walk up to the historic Lookout Mountain Lookout. The location was first established as a camp lookout; the present 25′ high structure was built in 1937. The lookout is only occupied infrequently during emergencies in the summer so don’t go expecting a tour of the place. 
We planned on picnicking at the helispot below the tower but hundreds of glass shards proved too much of a hazard to our toddling explorer. After enjoying some of the panoramic views, we ambled back down along the ridge in the vicinity of this beautiful snag for lunch and a short break before returning to the trailhead.
If you go: From Twisp take Okanogan County Road 9114 west 0.5 mile, turn left on County Road 1605 (Alder Creek Road). Continue on Forest Service Road 4400-200 to its end, about 4.2 miles. Multiple uses are allowed including hiking, horses, mountain bike and dirt bike. Lookout Mountain USGS Quad
Posted on June 8th, 2008 by aana
Filed under: Hiking and Backpacking, family outings
