Heybrook Lookout

The first lookout to stand on 1,700 foot Heybrook Ridge was built in 1925, and it would later be replaced by taller towers in 1932 and 1964. Better observation technology finally replaced the function of the lookout during the early 1970s. Two decades later the Everett Mountaineers took the liberty of entirely restoring the tower from the ground up. Today, Heybrook Lookout stands 73 feet high and is one of the most accessible day hikes in the Central Cascades. Many beginning hikers make it to the top and find that the views are inspiring enough to awaken their ainnera hiker. The trail leaves from a large pull-out off Highway 2 and cuts east and north up the densely forested hillside. It isn't long before the grade steepens, and the trail leads back and forth through several switchbacks for some sustained elevation gain. Gradually the trail gains the front of the ridge where beams of light pour through the forest canopy across lengthy poles of second-growth hemlock. A long set of rocky steps lead to the ridge at the base of the lookout. The climb up the wooden flights of stairs can throw you off a bit after just exiting the forest, but the whole structure is caged with fence wire and is very safe. And the views from the tower are incredible: to the east, Mount Baring protrudes out of the Skykomish Valley like a fish bursting from water; looking south, the spires of Mount Index and the rounded summit ridge of Mount Persis stand above the two giant tiers of Bridal Veil Falls.