The Cle Elum Ranger District maintains, with the help of countless volunteers, two historical
fire lookouts. Red Top Lookout is located southwest of Blewett Pass. Take USFS Road
9738 west to 9702. Follow 9702 to the Red Top trailhead (#1364.1). The hike to the top is
very easy. If you're looking for a more challenging adventure that leads to a much more
rustic lookout, consider hiking in to Thorp Mountain Lookout. There are several different
routes, but no easy way, to access this Lookout. Be prepared to climb! Kachess Ridge,
Knox Creek, and Thorp Creek trails are all options, and offer different experiences.
fire lookouts. Red Top Lookout is located southwest of Blewett Pass. Take USFS Road
9738 west to 9702. Follow 9702 to the Red Top trailhead (#1364.1). The hike to the top is
very easy. If you're looking for a more challenging adventure that leads to a much more
rustic lookout, consider hiking in to Thorp Mountain Lookout. There are several different
routes, but no easy way, to access this Lookout. Be prepared to climb! Kachess Ridge,
Knox Creek, and Thorp Creek trails are all options, and offer different experiences.
| Thorp Mountain Lookout |
Red Top is famous for its rocks, geodes, to be exact. These "thunder eggs", were
molded from limestone millions of years ago. Jasper nuggets and quartz crystals can
also be found just below the lookout. Please remember, you need a special use
permit to pack these gems home. Contact the Station for information. This lookout
sits at 5,361' and was built for firefighting in 1928.
Thorp Mountain Lookout's perch is located at 5,854 feet, and was built in 1940. If you
enjoy viewing wildflowers, there is really no better destination! Plan a trip in mid to late
June, and you won't be disappointed. Bea Buzzette, identified ninety-two species of
plants between 1945 and 1946.
Take some time to visit these historical sites this summer. You won't be disappointed!
molded from limestone millions of years ago. Jasper nuggets and quartz crystals can
also be found just below the lookout. Please remember, you need a special use
permit to pack these gems home. Contact the Station for information. This lookout
sits at 5,361' and was built for firefighting in 1928.
Thorp Mountain Lookout's perch is located at 5,854 feet, and was built in 1940. If you
enjoy viewing wildflowers, there is really no better destination! Plan a trip in mid to late
June, and you won't be disappointed. Bea Buzzette, identified ninety-two species of
plants between 1945 and 1946.
Take some time to visit these historical sites this summer. You won't be disappointed!
| Red Top Mountain Lookout |
| Cle Elum Ranger District Lookouts |
Cle Elum Districts Historical Lookouts
photo by Scott Cronk