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Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest › Skykomish Ranger District › Washington
› Snohomish County
› Gold Bar
› Heybrook Lookout
› Campsite #1
Campsite #1 at Heybrook Lookout, WA
$75
Cabin Site #1
| Walk-In | 4 people |
| 25 ft | Back-In |
| 4 | good |
5/1
Campsite #1 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Cabin Site
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 88% |
| 4 star | | 8% |
| 3 star | | 4% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@MarcJ2470212 · Camped on Aug 22, 2025 at Campsite #1
Great experience - beautiful views, lookout had three mattresses, not overly comfortable, but fine for a night. A great experience if you get the chance!
@sybile627559C9 · Camped on Aug 21, 2025 at Campsite #1
This tower is an absolute must see. It's hard to get a reservation but so worth it. It's almost emotional being up there while the sun sets and the stars come out. We were pleasantly surprised with how well stocked the cabin was. Even offering solar lights and phone chargers. We did encounter many hikers starting at 6 a.m but they were all respectful and did not try to open the hatch to the top level where we were staying. An absolute must see and I will be going back.It asks about cell recception, we have phone service through Xfinity which isn't a listed option. Our cell service was great, able to facetime, load videos ect.
@JanelleC2EA52D · Camped on Jul 31, 2025 at Campsite #1
We loved staying at Heybrook! The trail was great, not too long for the kids and the lookout was clean and cozy. We even got a spectacular sunset!
@KristenB526611 · Camped on Jul 3, 2025 at Campsite #1
Amazing views and wonderful accommodations! I applaud the forest service for all of the amenities with this lookout. I have rented 8 lookouts over the years and most do not have working propane, let alone a scenic toilet. This is by far the busiest lookout our family has rented. Visitors from sun up to sun down, not all of who were respectful of quiet hours. We rented on busy 4th of July and probably had at least 40 groups come up. Also, not a great area for viewing stars, too much light pollution. The hike up with all your gear is not for the weak. It would be nice to have the gate to the road with a padlock with a code for only those who rent it to get the gear in. There was also highway noise to consider and lights from nearby cabins. Unlike other lookouts, I did not feel secluded or remote. Beautiful landscape and overall fun rental!
@KenB1241900 · Camped on Jun 5, 2025 at Campsite #1
The Heybrook Lookout is well maintained and charming. What a wonderful opportunity for adventurous travelers. A huge thank you to the US Forest Service and the other federal agencies which maintain and protect our public lands heritage.
@SaraB8044081 · Camped on May 18, 2025 at Campsite #1
The lookout was better than I expected!
@PninaSBCC769C8 · Camped on May 16, 2025 at Campsite #1
Beautiful penthouse views with surprisingly spacious room with a queen bed and two twin mattresses. Many fun board games to enjoy as well as convenient propane stove. Highly recommend.
@JoyceL9584625 · Camped on Oct 22, 2024 at Campsite #1
What fun time! Gorgeous views and the lookout is well maintained. There is a full-size bed and 2 single mattresses. There were more amenities that we thought there would be - propane burners, plates, utensils, pots, a table, a bookshelf with games and puzzle - we had a blast looking at the views, gazing at the stars and playing cards.
@ChristyK216693 · Camped on Oct 4, 2024 at Campsite #1
This was the experience of a lifetime- we hiked up in the dark and found everything easily. The view in the morning was just beyond description. Very comfortable beds, perfectly working propane stove, and the heater was much appreciated. We didnt have early visitors because it was rainy, but definitely keep the trap door locked because somebody came up during the only 5 minute it was unlocked, and it was very weird to have them up top while eating breakfast.The toilet was actually really beautiful, but we never would have found it in the dark.
@EricE762939232 · Camped on Jul 23, 2024 at Campsite #1
Very unique experience with amazing views. Recommend packing adequate water, 1-2 gallons per day/per person. Also know that we found this to be a very popular hiking destinations with frequent visitors respectfully enjoying balcony area directly below from 5am to 9pm.
@DanD2593905 · Camped on Jun 30, 2024 at Campsite #1
A wonderful site and the lookout cabin was very well appointed.
@CindeeM3A16795 · Camped on Oct 29, 2023 at Campsite #1
The weather was perfect. Enjoyed the hike and was pleasantly surprised of the accommodations. The view from the lookout is breathtaking. I hope to get a reservation next year.
@MEGANE12749A9C · Camped on Oct 4, 2023 at Campsite #1
Amazing experience! The hike up was pretty exhausting being out of shape and having loaded backpacks but 100% worth it. There were more amenities up in the tower than we realized which was great (solar powered lights for nighttime, bed with room for two people, utensils that we didnt use but good to know, extra garbage bags etc). 10/10 recommend doing this at least once in your life.
@BeccaB7624271 · Camped on Sep 2, 2023 at Campsite #1
Truly incredible experience. The panoramic views and the sunset were unreal. The watchtower had everything you could need and more - we were shocked by how perfectly stocked it was. We will come back as soon as we can get another resy.
@SarahC1505024 · Camped on Jul 20, 2023 at Campsite #1
I dont think we have ever had such a wonderful camping experience as we did in the Heybrook lookout.Shout out to the Skykomish Rangers and all that they do!! They put up with a lot of crap from the public and work very hard to provide and maintain clean accessible land for us to enjoy! Ive been visiting Heybrook as a day hike for years, it is one of my favorite trails and getting to stay in the lookout was a bucket list check off for me! It was clean, well kept, and surprisingly quiet. We did get a few noisy people at sunset, and a couple at sunrise, but it is to be expected- you are not renting out the entire lookout, keep in mind that others deserve to partake in the areas as well. Look into backcountry permits if you would like a truly private experience. There were signs leading up to the lookout saying occupied, please be respectful and I feel like that helped - this is the first year Ive seen the signs. The bathroom situation is something to talk about. We are all adults, if you go potty in the woods and leave toilet paper on the ground shame on you. If youre going to not use the provided receptacle at least use a reusable kula cloth and/or pack out your garbage. If you can score the competitive reservation, do it! It was so worth it!
@KatherineG5078 · Camped on Jul 3, 2023 at Campsite #1
This was a great Lookout. Wish we had done more stairs to prepare for the 8 flights up to the top, but we survived. The lookout itself is well stocked with cleaning supplies, reading materials, some puzzles and some games. There is one full size mattress on the bed frame, and two twin mattresses stored under the bed. Most of the furniture is bolted into the walls / floor - we noticed a number of ants under one bookcase, but were unable to move it to clean under it / behind it.
As gets mentioned frequently - this is a popular day hike destination, and you should expect visitors to the observation platform below both late at night and early in the morning (we stayed on a Monday night which I thought would be less crowded, but we had a group of 8 at 10 PM, and then around 20 by 5:30 AM). Luckily for us, our visitors were very quiet / respectful - we could definitely hear that they were there, but I wouldn't have considered them any worse than a crowded campground this time of year. The trapdoor has a large bolt from above, and the actual door locks - so I never felt the visitor situation was unsafe.
We were fascinated by the log entries from the Bolt Creek firefighters last fall - most simply wrote names / companies, but there were some real entries and it was fascinating to see all the places that sent responders to help with the fire. So cool! Though the lookout needs a new / bigger log.
As someone else mentioned - there is a bizarre amount of toilet paper leading to the pit toilet - not sure what's the story there. We enjoyed exploring the forest service road up top.
As gets mentioned frequently - this is a popular day hike destination, and you should expect visitors to the observation platform below both late at night and early in the morning (we stayed on a Monday night which I thought would be less crowded, but we had a group of 8 at 10 PM, and then around 20 by 5:30 AM). Luckily for us, our visitors were very quiet / respectful - we could definitely hear that they were there, but I wouldn't have considered them any worse than a crowded campground this time of year. The trapdoor has a large bolt from above, and the actual door locks - so I never felt the visitor situation was unsafe.
We were fascinated by the log entries from the Bolt Creek firefighters last fall - most simply wrote names / companies, but there were some real entries and it was fascinating to see all the places that sent responders to help with the fire. So cool! Though the lookout needs a new / bigger log.
As someone else mentioned - there is a bizarre amount of toilet paper leading to the pit toilet - not sure what's the story there. We enjoyed exploring the forest service road up top.
@ScottG2628513 · Camped on Jun 19, 2023 at Campsite #1
We had a very pleasant stay at the glass house in the clouds. The weather didn't exactly cooperate. But even with the clouds and the rain, we still had beautiful view of the nearby mountains.
@LarryG4149139 · Camped on May 17, 2023 at Campsite #1
Wonderful hike with my son. We were beat by the time we made the ridgetop but well worth it. The lookout cools down quickly once you open the windows, and the view was unbelievable.
@BrookeK7764526 · Camped on May 10, 2023 at Campsite #1
This location serves as the ultimate vantage point, offering breathtaking views. However, it is crucial to be aware that it has become incredibly popular among day hikers. They flock to the viewing platform at all hours, sometimes leaving behind graffiti. Witnessing people neglecting the care of this lookout saddened us. It is essential to remember the principle of "Leave No Trace" and preserve these special places.
Our day hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Serene Lake was truly rewarding. Although one downside was the realization that we had to hike back up to the lookout afterwards, making it a double workout! On the bright side, make sure to visit Zeke's Drive In for some post-hike refueling. Their french dip burger and shakes are undeniably amazing.
Our day hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Serene Lake was truly rewarding. Although one downside was the realization that we had to hike back up to the lookout afterwards, making it a double workout! On the bright side, make sure to visit Zeke's Drive In for some post-hike refueling. Their french dip burger and shakes are undeniably amazing.
@CierraC8769773 · Camped on Aug 28, 2022 at Campsite #1
Pretty great lookout but at the end of a very trafficked trail. So much TP and trash on the trail to the toilet, what a bummer! Be prepared to share the space with others hiking out for the views and instagram pics from the top of the tower. The tower itself is open to the public, and the lookout is private. Some folks are curious and mischievous enough to try to open the latch and join you in the lookout! Be sure to lock the latch! I will be looking for a more remote lookout next time. Great views though!
@viswanath43591 · Camped on Aug 13, 2022 at Campsite #1
Heybrook lookout is simply awesome to experience sunset, moonrise, moonset, nature and everything in-between. The only thing is you have no water source, but you get propane with 2 burner stove, heater and lot utensils for cooking. Bring some light source and enjoy. Be aware you need to walk around 1mile with around 1000 feet elevation and collect the keys to the cabin at ranger station located 15 miles from the trailhead.
@DavidH4978786 · Camped on Aug 12, 2022 at Campsite #1
Had a wonderful trip. Heybrook is a very unique camping experience. Remember to pack adequate water as there is no water source at the lookout.
@veronicam71483 · Camped on Aug 3, 2022 at Campsite #1
Awesome lookout. Zero privacy. People screaming and climbing up at all hours despite the signage requesting privacy
@DonnaC2645170 · Camped on Jul 31, 2022 at Campsite #1
We stayed on a Sunday night in the middle of a heat wave. Started the hike in the late afternoon and it was really hot but barely anyone on the trail!
Lookout was more furnished than I expected; there is actually a double bed, two single mats, several chairs and table for guests to use. There were cooking utensils and pans along with the stove but we didn't use any of it. Some lights worked and some didn't so bring your own. There was even an encyclopedia set (feel bad to the poor soul who hiked this up!).
Views were beautiful all hours of the day! Evening sun makes the lookout very hot. This is a popular hike so expect people. Lookout sways when people hike up the stairs. Most hikers in the public areas of the lookout were respectful during our stay; except for one pair that chatted about personal topics until dark (but before quiet hours).
Lookout was more furnished than I expected; there is actually a double bed, two single mats, several chairs and table for guests to use. There were cooking utensils and pans along with the stove but we didn't use any of it. Some lights worked and some didn't so bring your own. There was even an encyclopedia set (feel bad to the poor soul who hiked this up!).
Views were beautiful all hours of the day! Evening sun makes the lookout very hot. This is a popular hike so expect people. Lookout sways when people hike up the stairs. Most hikers in the public areas of the lookout were respectful during our stay; except for one pair that chatted about personal topics until dark (but before quiet hours).
@ConnorP6500684 · Camped on Jun 20, 2022 at Campsite #1
What a dream! We had the absolute best time up in the Lookout. Wish we could've stayed longer. Views were incredible and we were blessed with mostly clear skies in the night and morning. The Lookout was much larger than we had expected, with the four of us having plenty of space to ourselves while up top. Had to hike from the trailhead up to the top when we originally thought we may be able to use the Forestry Road but it wasn't all that bad. Maybe won't bring such a heavy cooler next time. Absolutely no qualms about staying at Heybrook.
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