USDA Forest Service · Washington

Heybrook Lookout

USDA Forest Service · Washington, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
1
Season
May 1 to October 10
Cost
Heybrook Lookut is now open for resevationsfor the 2023 season. There is no pay and scan
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
961 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 2
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Nearest town
Skykomish
Address
PO Box 305, Skykomish , WA, 98288
Phone
360-677-2414
Activities
Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Rafting, Water Sports, Wildlife Viewing

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

The Heybrook Lookout sits atop its namesake ridge at 1,700 feet. The lookout itself rises 67 feet above the ridgeline and provides spectacular views of breathtaking glacial peaks surrounding the valley.
The first Heybrook fire lookout was a simple tent platform built in 1925. The Forest Service replaced it seven years later with a 45-foot log leg tower, with a ground-level cabin intended as sleeping quarters for fire rangers; however, rampant rodents eventually drove the rangers up into the tower where they lived until a 67-foot lookout was built in 1964. Heybrook Lookout is one of only 106 lookouts left in Washington State.

Recreation

Hiking, birding and wildlife viewing are popular activities around the lookout.

Facilities

The 14 x14-ft. lookout cabin sleeps four and is furnished with one twin-sized bed with mattress, two additional floor mattresses, a table and chairs, propane stove, pot, pan, silverware, coffee pot and battery operated lanterns. A primitive vault toilet is located several hundred feet down the ridge from the lookout. There is a picnic table at the bottom of the tower.

There is no water at the site. Guests must bring water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Guests must also bring flashlights, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving

Natural Features

On a clear day, guests at Heybrook Lookout see views of Mount Index and Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Baring, Mount Persis and the Wild Sky Wilderness.

Wildlife is abundant, and guests may catch a glimpse of black bears, bobcat, elk or bald eagle. Wolves are making a comeback to the area, but they are usually heard and not seen.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (360) 677-2414.

Nearby Attractions

Deception Falls Picnic Area, Lake Serene/Bridal Veil Falls hikes, and the Iron Goat historic interpretive trail.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January43°35°9°56°9 of 11
February42°33°9°58°9 of 11
March46°34°22°69°10 of 11
April51°38°22°75°4 of 11
May58°46°36°86°0 of 11
June65°50°42°88°0 of 11
July75°58°48°92°0 of 11
August78°60°51°98°0 of 11
September70°55°45°92°0 of 11
October58°46°36°81°0 of 10
November48°38°20°65°4 of 10
December42°34°17°60°7 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Washington · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.