Hidden Lake Lookout

Hidden Lake Peak Lookout

A steep trail climbs to an old fire lookout cabin on the summit, with a frozen lake at its base and views across the full range of North Cascades glacier peaks.

Hidden Lake Peak Lookout is a wooden fire lookout built in 1931. It sits on rocky summit at roughly 2,100 m. The round trip from the start of the Cascade River Road spur is about 13 km with roughly 1,000 m of elevation gain. The final section requires scrambling over boulders and patches of snow. At the base of the peak lies Hidden Lake, which remains partly frozen year-round. From here you can see the whole glacier-capped range of the North Cascades, considered one of the most spectacular views in the park. The lookout cabin is available for overnight stays on a first-come, first-served basis. Ice axes and crampons are needed when snow remains.

Opening hours

About late July–September

Hiking · Lookout tower · Panoramic views

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby

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