Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
400.00 ft (121.92 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.00 mi (1.61 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Red Top Mountain Lookout makes for a great short hike in the Snoqualmie Pass area. At just 2 miles round trip, the hike is a perfect expedition for children. The tower on the ridge provides constant incentive as you make your short climb. As you leave the parking lot, a junction leads to two trails to the top: the path to the right is slightly more gentle and includes more shade and wildflowers, whereas the left path is steep and more direct. Looping is always an option on the way down.

This one of several Washington fire lookouts that are publicly accessible; if a volunteer is on duty, ask if the tower is available for a quick look. The views from the lookout are grand, indeed. On a clear day, you’ll see Mount Rainer and the Stuart Range in addition to the Cle Elum and Teanaway valleys. When you have finished with the expansive views, take a moment to peruse the ground for a few of the agates that show up in this area.
 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Family friendly. Great views. Short trail. Wildflowers.

Cons

Rough road. Narrow, rocky trail.

Trailhead Elevation

4,970.00 ft (1,514.86 m)

Features

Lodging
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington

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