State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length, One-Way: 2.1 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5200 feet
Elevation Change: 1300 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.
Bighorn Sheep on the Washington hillside
Trail Information
This relatively short but steep trail leads to a lookout shelter with panoramic views. Dangerous snow slopes in early summer and a profusion of berries along the trail make this trail better suited for fall hiking. Beginning the climb up the slope of Winchester Mountain, a trail junction is encountered in 0.5 mile. The right fork is High Pass Trail #676. Stay left to continue to the Winchester Lookout. Follow switchbacks upward through heather, flowers, berries and occasional small trees until reaching the summit, elevation 6,521 feet.
The lookout building, which was constructed in 1935, is no longer used by the Forest Service for fire detection. A volunteer group now maintains the lookout and it is open to the public on a first come first served basis. Please respect the building and its contents. Carry drinking water, as there is none available at the lookout.
The trail enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness, limiting party size to 12. No fires are allowed.
Caution: A steep snow slope below the lookout can hold snow well into summer, creating dangerous conditions.
Directions
From Glacier:
Follow the Mt. Baker Highway 542 east for 12.0 miles to Forest Road 3065 (Twin Lakes Road). The road is located on the left just beyond the Department of Transportation’s Shuksan maintenance facility. Turn left on Twin Lakes Road and continue approximately 4.5 miles to the Tomyhoi Lake/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead.
The remainder of the road beyond this trailhead is not maintained for passenger vehicles. Those persons with a four-wheel drive high clearance vehicles may be able to continue the remaining 2.0 miles to Twin Lakes. Check with the ranger station for road conditions before heading out. The trailhead is located between the two lakes.
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