While researching North Cascades National Park, it can be a little overwhelming trying to choose only a couple of hikes out of all the amazing trails in the park. After narrowing our choices down, we landed on Hidden Lake Lookout as our number one hike after learning we couldn’t get permits to hike Sahale Glacier. This eight-mile round trip hike would be the hardest of the trip, as it gains over 3,200 feet on steep switchbacks and ends with a rocky climb to the decomissioned fire tower.
Because of our determination to reach the summit, we actually made two attempts. The first morning threatened rain for the first mile and we turned back, not wanting to be in a dangerous spot if rain and lightning were to appear. The next morning the skies were mostly clear so we knew this would be the day.
The hike began in a dense forest but quickly emerged into Sibley Creek basin, a beautiful flower-filled area. Watching out for bears, we made our way through the strangely tall fields of plants and flowers, and eventually made it to the switchbacks.
The sun was coming out and it was starting to warm up, luckily we crossed some patches of snow which helped to cool us down.
After about three miles we spotted the lookout tower perched high on the imposing looking summit above. There was a harsh line between the green, inviting landscape and the rocky, formidable mountain that we would eventually need to ascend.
The final summit push was up a barely visible path of loose dirt and jumbled boulders. The views started to open up and we could see Forbidden Peak, Eldorado Peak, Mount Baker, and the pristine Hidden Lake basin far below. It was gorgeous!
Hidden Lake lookout was built in 1931 and is now a place you can stay overnight, first-come first served. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to stay overnight, and if we had we would have shared it with two other hikers and a dog, so probably best that we were only there for a day hike.
The views were incredible, rivaling anything you can see in Europe or South/Central America. Again, we’re shocked that this national park doesn’t get more visitors, it is just so beautiful.
Just like almost every other summit or viewpoint we encounter we spent way more time than we planned, enjoying the views, eating some snacks, and just taking everything in.
The skies were getting a little cloudy, so we reluctantly decided to head back down. With all the distracting views and flowers, what was supposed to be a quick descent became another slow-paced hike stopping at every nice spot.
Once we get back down, we had the afternoon to spend some time in the cute little town we were staying in, Concrete. They have a fun little ice cream shop, a tiny theater, a couple of restaurants, and that’s about it.