Burn Ban

No fires permitted at any time.

Three hikers hike the trail through dirt and rocks, surrounded by large boulders and evergreen trees scattered through the boulders. In the background is treed mountains with a large, snow capped mountain top with a blue cloudy sky overtop.
Hikers take a water break on a large boulder with evergreen trees scattered around them. Forested mountains and a snowcapped mountain peak sit in the background with a cloudy blue sky.
A hiker takes a break while enjoying the view of forested mountains and a snowcapped mountain with a cloudy sky from the lookout tower's deck, with white chipping paint.
A hiker takes a break on a rock seat next to a group of evergreen trees. Forested mountains and a snowcapped mountain with a cloudy sky sit in the background.
A smiling hiker coming down the rock covered trail, surrounded by large boulders and a few evergreen trees.

Mount Pilchuck State Park

Granite Falls, WA 98252

Mount Pilchuck State Park is located at 3,100 feet above sea level and offers awe-inspiring alpine views. The 2.7 mile trail up to the summit and historic fire lookout is the main attraction here.

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires not Allowed

Access roads to this park will be closed while the U.S. Forest Service makes repairs. Parking is available at the Heather Lake Trailhead, but you will have to hike in five miles to access the Mount Pilchuck Trailhead. Emergency response at Mount Pilchuck will be limited this summer and we encourage you to recreate elsewhere.

The park begins on Forest Service land and requires a Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful pass. The Forest Service maintains the restroom and picnic area.

Water is not available at the trailhead and scarce along the trail. Please be prepared with proper clothing and gear, pack plenty of water and be ready for sudden weather changes.

The Mount Pilchuck trail is rated moderate to difficult. Please know your own abilities and consider your children's and pets' abilities. 

Activities

Bird Watching

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Winter Activities

Amenities

Restrooms

Picnic Tables

Hiking Trails

Park features

Image

Creek

Forest

Freshwater

Meadow

Mountain View

Seasonal Wildflowers

Viewpoint

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires not Allowed

Access roads to this park will be closed while the U.S. Forest Service makes repairs. Parking is available at the Heather Lake Trailhead, but you will have to hike in five miles to access the Mount Pilchuck Trailhead. Emergency response at Mount Pilchuck will be limited this summer and we encourage you to recreate elsewhere.

The park begins on Forest Service land and requires a Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful pass. The Forest Service maintains the restroom and picnic area.

Water is not available at the trailhead and scarce along the trail. Please be prepared with proper clothing and gear, pack plenty of water and be ready for sudden weather changes.

The Mount Pilchuck trail is rated moderate to difficult. Please know your own abilities and consider your children's and pets' abilities. 

Map & visitor guide

48.0535, -121.7863

Hiking

The trail to the top of Mount Pilchuck is challenging and breathtaking in more ways than one. The 2,300-foot climb is on uneven terrain through forests that open onto fields of shale and steep switchbacks on an exposed slope. For your efforts, you're rewarded with 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch and chat with fellow hikers at the base of the lookout or climb up onto the wraparound balcony to reach Mount Pilchuck's true summit. The trail is usually covered with snow until early to midsummer.

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Snowshoeing

In the winter, you can snowshoe on Mount Pilchuck and experience a serene and entirely different landscape. Trailhead parking will not be accessible, so be prepared to hike in several miles before you reach the trailhead.   

Camping

A small camping area is located near the trailhead. Space is extremely limited and available first-come, first-served.

Picnic and day use facilities

A small uncovered picnic area near the trailhead is available on a first-come, first-served basis.