- The hike to the top of Mount Pilchuck is relatively short and steep but rewards hikers with sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades. With a historic fire lookout perched at over 5,300 feet, the panoramic view from the rocky summit of Mount Pilchuck includes Mount Baker and Mount Rainier, as well as the South Fork Stillaguamish and Pilchuck River valleys. The trail, which starts on U.S. Forest Service land before climbing into Mount Pilchuck State Park, gains 2,300 feet over 2.7 miles, making this strenuous hike one of the most direct ways to reach great views in the Cascades. Be prepared to meet lots of new trail buddies on your trek if you visit on a weekend—hikers seeking more solitude may need to make the climb on a weekday.