Red Top Lookout
This short loop has it all: incredible views, a restored fire lookout and a tour of agate fields favored by rock hounds. The hike delivers big rewards without much strain, making it a popular choice for young families and those looking to stretch their legs while on their way to other destinations.
Total Distance: 3.0 miles
Total Ascent: 350ft
Highest Point: 5361ft
Total Ascent: 350ft
Highest Point: 5361ft
To get there, take I-90 to Exit 85, following the signs to WA 970. Merge onto WA 970 and continue 16.6 miles as WA 970 turns into US 97 to FR 9738 on the left, just beyond the Mineral Creek Campground. Continue 2.6 winding miles to FR 9702 signed Red Top Mountain. Turn left and continue another 4.5 miles to the trailhead. Privy available. View Google Directions >>
From the parking area, the Red Top Trail #1364.1 follows old roadbed toward the lookout, perched on a finger of granite just above the treetops. After 0.2 reach the signed junction with the Teanaway Ridge Trail #1364 and the beginning of the loop. The views and the lookout are to your left, as is the steepest grade. To the right are the agate fields. Head left to get the work out of the way and enjoy the vistas earlier in the day.
While the sign suggests it’s a 0.5 mile to the lookout, it is half that distance, the steep trail delivering you to the top in about 0.2 mile. When you're ready continue along the trail as it descends down off the bluff. At 0.2 mile reach another junction, this time with the Blue Creek Trail #1364.2. Note this trail as you’ll use it to loopback to the trailhead. For now, continue straight out to the agate fields, reaching them at 0.9 miles from the trailhead at the junction with the Indian Creek Trail #1364.3.
Wander among the rocks until the 1.5-mile mark when the trail starts to angle downwards. It leads out to FR 9738-111 at 2.0 miles and after some forest road walking regains the Teanaway Ridge Trail #1364. Instead, turn around and work your way back to the Blue Creek Trail #1364.2, following it briefly before a junction. Veer right, keeping close to the base of the lookout bluff, soon closing the loop and returning to the parking area.There's a lot more to Red Top Lookout, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
While the sign suggests it’s a 0.5 mile to the lookout, it is half that distance, the steep trail delivering you to the top in about 0.2 mile. When you're ready continue along the trail as it descends down off the bluff. At 0.2 mile reach another junction, this time with the Blue Creek Trail #1364.2. Note this trail as you’ll use it to loopback to the trailhead. For now, continue straight out to the agate fields, reaching them at 0.9 miles from the trailhead at the junction with the Indian Creek Trail #1364.3.
Wander among the rocks until the 1.5-mile mark when the trail starts to angle downwards. It leads out to FR 9738-111 at 2.0 miles and after some forest road walking regains the Teanaway Ridge Trail #1364. Instead, turn around and work your way back to the Blue Creek Trail #1364.2, following it briefly before a junction. Veer right, keeping close to the base of the lookout bluff, soon closing the loop and returning to the parking area.There's a lot more to Red Top Lookout, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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