Most epic viewpoints in Washington require a serious hike, going up miles of steep switchbacks, rocky scrambles, and a lot of sweat.
Not this one.
The Heybrook Lookout Trail has all the payoff with a fraction of the effort. The short trail winds through a lush, moss-draped forest before climbing gently to a lookout tower that peeks out over the canopy.
It’s less than a mile to the top, but the reward makes you feel like you’ve conquered a summit.
From the top platform, you’ll spot Mount Index, Baring Mountain, and even Bridal Veil Falls. It’s an incredible panoramic view, all from a single vantage point.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before hiking to Heybrook Lookout, including how to get there, what to expect on the trail, and tips from our own experience to help you make the most of your hike to this wooden lookout tower in Washington.
Heybrook Lookout Complete Hiking Guide
Heybrook Lookout is one of the most accessible and rewarding day hikes near Seattle. It’s just two miles round-trip with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail punches well above its weight in both views and atmosphere.
The hike starts off mellow, on a wide, well-maintained trail that gently climbs past moss-covered trees. You’ll cross a few sets of wooden steps as the path weaves through second-growth forest.
As you gain elevation, the trail narrows slightly and becomes rockier. Ferns line the path, and you’ll step over tree roots and walk by boulders as the incline picks up.
Roughly halfway up, the trail crests a ridge where you’ll walk through a dense stretch of young trees. It’s a neat place to witness the regrowth of a new forest.
Just as the trail exits the forest, it makes a sharp left turn, and you’ll spot the Heybrook Lookout peeking out on top of the hill. A few more steps and you’ll emerge into a clearing at the base of the tower.
There are a few benches there to catch your breath before heading up the tower’s 89 steps. As you walk up the tower’s stairs, the views get better and better with each platform.
At the top, you’ll find a sweeping panorama: Mount Persis to the southwest, Mount Index with Bridal Veil Falls cascading below it, and the twin peaks of Baring Mountain standing sharp to the east.
Heybrook Lookout Hike Details
- Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike is about 2 miles, out-and-back.
- Hike Duration: The hike takes about 2 hours total, including time spent checking out the lookout tower.
- Hike Difficulty: The trail’s difficulty is easy/moderate. There aren’t any steep climbs, but the trail is very rocky, has some tree roots, and can be slippery in some places. The trail is mostly shaded, but you should bring at least 1 liter of water.
- Hike Incline: The total incline for this hike is about 1000 feet. The trail is uphill almost the entire way, but the incline is somewhat gradual. There are a few switchbacks along the trail, but overall, the trail is not super steep.
- Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be on a leash. It is a popular trail, so you will likely run into other hikers with dogs.
- You do not need any passes or permits to park or hike at Heybrook Lookout.
How to get to the Heybrook Lookout Trail
The Heybrook Lookout Trailhead is located right off U.S. Highway 2, just outside of the town of Index, Washington.
The parking area for the Heybrook Lookout trail is directly on the shoulder of the highway. The parking area sits right next to a high-speed stretch of road, so pulling in and out can feel a little sketchy. Find a spot, be patient, and wait for a big gap in traffic.
The trailhead itself is located at the west end of the parking area and is clearly marked with signage.
The map location below is accurate for the Heybrook Lookout Trailhead and can be used to navigate there.
Heybrook Lookout Hike: Our Experience
When we first stepped onto the trail for Heybrook Lookout, we had no idea that our adventure would end the way it did.
We did this hike on a Sunday. It’s normally not the smartest move for trails near Seattle. Weekend crowds can be brutal. But we had a trick: show up late.
We took our time and got to the trail entrance around 3 PM. The lot was still busy, but we easily found a parking spot since all the morning hikers had come and left.
The hike began like many others in the Cascades. Under a canopy of moss-draped trees, winding through the forest floor.
The trail itself surprised me. For something so short and so close to the highway, it felt peaceful and immersive.
But the path quickly transitioned to rockier terrain. It was still enjoyable, though, and we had plenty of fun gazing at the ferns poking out into our path.
As we hiked up the trail, we passed group after group heading back down. It gave us hope that the lookout might be quieter by the time we reached the top.
When the trail crested the top of a ridge, it turned and started heading east, straight toward the lookout. We enjoyed walking through the young forest as the light filtered through the canopy.
Suddenly, the trail exited the forest and made a sharp turn left, and there it was. Heybrook Lookout, towering above us, silhouetted against the sky.
Climbing the tower was an activity in itself. On each level, we were met with better and better views. The stairs were pretty narrow, so we just took our time and stepped aside to let people pass, saying hi as they came down.
But once we reached the top of Heybrook Lookout, everything was worth it. We were met with panoramic views of Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Index, Mount Persis, and Baring Mountain, all from a single vantage point.
And better yet, hiking late in the day had finally paid off. We only shared the platform with two other people. We had fun chatting with them while we took turns snapping each other’s photos with the snowy peaks behind us.
But from the viewing deck, we found one more level above us, inaccessible because it was locked up. What was up there?
How to camp at Heybrook Lookout
While we were exploring the top platform of the Heybrook Lookout Tower, I noticed a locked door leading to an even higher level above us.
At first, I assumed it might be for ranger storage or equipment. But then I thought, why put storage at the very top of a nine-story tower?
My question was answered when a couple arrived with large backpacks. They greeted us with a smile and casually opened the door. Turns out, they had reserved the top of the tower for an overnight stay.
That’s right. You can actually sleep in Heybrook Lookout.
They were kind enough to let us take a quick peek inside, and it blew me away. The lookout cabin was fully outfitted: a bed with clean linens, electric lights, a heater, tables, and even shelves stocked with books. It’s simple, cozy, and honestly a whole lot nicer than some hotels we’ve stayed in.
From the wraparound windows, you can see Mount Index, Baring Mountain, and Bridal Veil Falls, all from the comfort of your bed.
If you’re lucky enough to score a reservation, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind stay: sunrise, sunset, and stargazing, all from a lookout perched high above the forest. It takes ‘Room with a View’ to the next level.
Heybrook Lookout Trail Photos
More Hikes Near Highway 2 in Washington
We’re based in Seattle and have done a ton of hikes all along Highway 2 in Washington. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best trails we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Favorite Highway 2 Hike: Lake 22
- Classic Washington multi-waterfall hike: Wallace Falls Hike
- Quick hike to a wooden tower: Heybrook Lookout
- A front-row seat to a massive, misty waterfall: Bridal Veil Falls Hike
- Trail through dense mossy forest to an alpine lake: Heather Lake
- Hike to a steamy hot spring in the forest: Scenic Hot Springs
I hope you enjoyed our hiking guide to Heybrook Lookout in Washington. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
