Hidden Lake Lookout

Elevation Gain: 3300 ft

RT distance: 8 miles

No pass needed for the trailhead

Directions: From SPU, there are two ways to get there. The most direct route is to hop on I-5 N and turn East on WA-20 E. You will eventually go straight onto Cascade River Rd, which will lead you to the Hidden Lake Lookout trail. The quicker route is I-5 to WA-530 E and to WA 20E. Google Map will not fail you for finding this trail. NOTE: The last few miles to the trail is rough; you will find a steep, gravel road that is plagued huge pot holes. High clearance car is HIGHLY recommended.

Trailhead: This trail does not require a pass. However, if you plan to spend a night, you need to know a few things. Most of the hike as well as the lookout itself is in the National Forest. This means you do not need a permit to camp out along the trail or at the lookout (first come, first serve) The moment you cross the ridge and get down to the Lake, you are in NC National Park. This means you need a permit and must follow all National Park regulations.

On the trail: The trail offers a wide range of terrains. At first, you will be greeted with what you would expect from a PNW hike; well defined trails and beautiful trees to guide your way. Within a mile or so, you will enter a land of thick, overgrown brush. Trudge through the thick greenery for a little less than a mile and you will break tree line. This is when the fun begins. The view changes dramatically. Even in the summer, you might have to cross snow fields. Honestly, I don’t even remember the physical aspects of the last mile because I was distracted by all the views. Once you reach the saddle, you will see the Hidden Lake below and the lookout above.

ORP suggestion: This hike should be reserved for summer and early fall. Even in the middle of the summer, there are snowfields and the trail becomes hard to navigate. Once the snow falls on this trail, there is no reason why you should ever attempt this hike without having expert level experience.

Bug Warning: In the summer, prepare to be feasted on unless you have Off! spray or A- blood type.