I ended up sick from dehydration when I got to this lookout about ten years. I stayed there for about three hours drinking gatorade, getting salt from in the lookout until I finally recovered and headed backdown. Hidden Lake is very beautiful from the fire lookout. I have spent the night in Park Butte Fire Lookout near Mount Baker. It was every bit worth it and the view of Mount Baker was fantastic. Excellent video!!!!
This was the beginning of August but snow levels and conditions vary year to year so keep that in mind when making plans, but mid to late summer is the prime time to go
Thank you for your efforts in recording this video. You have inspired me to go exploring in out beautiful State. Was this hike in July or August? I'm curious to know when all the wild flowers are blooming.
I was the only person until I headed back down. I start EARLY and avoid crowds. Yes I did this on a Tuesday. And yes you can stay overnight in the lookout, it's on a first come first served basis and you are asked to donate to the lookout maintenance fund(about $20 per night) to help volunteers keep it amazing. No there is not a latrine or toilet. You have to descend about 50 feet to find a good spot to go. Going on the rocks right outside the lookout creates horrible smell. This is all per the advise of the national forest service for the area.
@@wanderingwashington I hiked this trail many times back in the day. Starting early gets the meadow climb done in the cool shade and before the bugs come out in force.Those flower fields can be brutally hot and buggy on summer afternoons.
I am not a plant expert, however the tall white flowers were cow parsnip, so not one of the dangerous plants. However I wouldn't be surprised if there was some hemlock mixed in, that's why I stay covered in sections like this.
i am also planning to go early sept but my major concern is the driving condition on NF 1540. i drive a subaru outback but it's less than 6 months old. trying to be nice to my newborn baby. i heard the surface is rough and tons of potholes. is it true?
Yes the road is rough, a Subaru will do fine. I made it most of the way in my sedan, but opted to walk the last half mile to the TH(which was the right call). Careful and slow driving can avoid the worst of it. The bigger thing is the road is narrow and you will likely scratch up your paint job on your doors.