Alpine Lakes Wilderness #24 - Thorp Mountain

My planned 7 mile hike turned into a 10.5 mile hike when I added extra miles heading in the wrong direction. To be fair, the turn off was easy to miss. See if you can see which way to go in the following photo.

Do you see the 131 in the lower left? I didn't and plowed ahead pleased with myself at the pace I was hiking. The trail on the right eventually was choked off completely by vegetation. You think that would stop me, but no. I had read a trail report from the previous few days about the trail being overgrown. I thought to myself he wasn't kidding. It took me way too long to recognize something might be off when I checked AllTrails and had to double back.

Other than that set back and some additional miles which were good for me anyway this was a very enjoyable hike. It was quiet (I ran into maybe 10 people the entire time on the trail). My favorite part was the Grouse seen along the trail.

Great views from the top after a fairly steep climb and the side trip to Thorp Lake is definetly worth the extra .8 mile side trip. This hike was much more my speed after the disappointment with Snoqualmie Mountain.

If You Go

Trail: Thorp Mountain Lookout

Location: Near Cle Elum, Washington (off NF-4308 from the Salmon la Sac Road)

Distance: ~6 miles round trip (depending on starting point)

Elevation Gain: ~1,600 feet

Highest Elevation: 5,854 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time Required: 3–5 hours for most hikers

Best Season: July through October, after the snow has melted

Northwest Forest Pass: Required for parking

Highlights

• One of the few historic fire lookouts in Washington that is regularly open to visitors.

• Panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Stuart, the Stuart Range, and much of the eastern Alpine Lakes Wilderness on a clear day.

• Wildflowers peak in mid to late summer, and huckleberries are often plentiful later in the season.

• A rewarding destination without the crowds found on many I-90 corridor hikes.

What to Bring

• At least 2 liters of water (there are no reliable water sources near the summit).

• Sun protection—the final climb and summit are fully exposed.

• Trekking poles if you prefer extra stability on the rocky sections.

• Layers. Even on warm summer days, the summit can be surprisingly windy.

Tips

• Arrive early. The rough forest road and limited parking keep crowds smaller than many nearby hikes, but early mornings offer the quietest experience and the best chance for calm weather.

• Check the weather before you go. The lookout is famous for its sweeping views, but low clouds can completely hide the surrounding peaks.

• If the lookout is staffed, take a few minutes to chat with the volunteer. They're often happy to share stories about the lookout's history and point out distant landmarks.

• The final stretch to the summit is steeper and rockier than the rest of the trail, so save a little energy for the last climb.

Nearby Stops

If you're making a day of it, consider stopping in Cle Elum afterward for lunch or coffee. It's only about 30 minutes away and offers several good options before heading back over Snoqualmie Pass.

Leave No Trace: Thorp Mountain remains a special place because visitors treat it with care. Stay on the trail, pack out everything you bring in, respect the historic lookout, and leave the summit just as you found it for the next hiker.