We're updating our camping and moorage fees to continue providing great experiences for visitors amid inflation and rising costs. You will see a rate increase for camping stays booked for May 15 and beyond. Moorage fees will increase Jan. 1. Learn more here.
Burn Ban
No fires permitted at any time.
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
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.