- There are many factors which make Mount Pilchuck one of Washington’s favorite and most sought after hiking peaks. Second only to Mount Si, it’s estimated that Pilchuck sees 28,000 visitors each year. The number one draw for the mountain is the old fire lookout on the summit, which was constructed in 1918 by the US Forest Service. It was renovated by the Everett Mountaineers in 1977. At the peak use of fire lookouts, there were nearly 700 Washington State, but now there are only a handful remaining. Most were burned by lightning strikes.
- Mountain Loop Highway (summitpost.org)
The Mountain Loop Highway is home to many popular cascade hikes and climbs. There is no doubt that the scenic beauty of the Mountain Loop Highway Peaks far exceeds that of the I-90 corridor Peaks. There is more diversity in wildlife, foliage, and summit blocks are generally more rugged and exposed. The Mountain Loop Highway is a well kept secret among the locals of Washington State with the exception of Mount Pilchuck, trails are seldom crowded and tranquil isolation is the norm.