Hidden Lake Lookout & Peak

Preface - you will need to get a backcountry permit from the ranger station in Marblemount if you plan to camp east of the ridgeline (which is in the NCNP).

Day 1
Three friends and I left late Friday, 8/01, and parked at the trailhead after fighting our way up Forest Road 1540 in my F150. This turned out to be a good move, because the road is overgrown and deeply rutted in some areas.  We started the hike just before 6pm, and arrived at the saddle between the Peak and Lookout around 8:30pm. There is heavy bush-whacking for the first 1000' of elevation, but you are rewarded with beautiful views in the alpine at about 5000', for the long traverse to the saddle. There are several potential campsites along the way, with ponds from snowmelt for water. Some residual snow fields were present on the upper parts of the trail, but nothing significant—no microspikes required.

The saddle is marked with a wooden post, which serves as the interchange to either the north peak, east route down the lower bowl towards the lake, or the south route to the fire lookout. Most options are boulder scrambles from this point forward, with some goat trails to provide guidance.  After talking to climbers on our way up, we determined there was a family already in the lookout (no reservations required, just first-come, first-served), and we opted for a campsite near the lake in the lower bowl. There are several great, flat campsites with sources of water nearby at about 6,400', which are visible from the saddle.  Biting flies were present, so bring DEET. 

Day 2
We were optimistic about getting a spot in the lookout to camp, so we packed up in the morning and made it to the lookout in about 20min. A family was leaving, and we were able to claim 4 spots in the lookout. There is capacity for about 6 campers in the lookout—two on the "bed," one on the "shelf," and two on the floor. The views on a clear day are spectacular. The lookout is supported by a volunteer group, and there are many supply items and junk left behind. Be courteous and help keep it clean. There is a latrine about 500' from the lookout and 150' down in elevation on the south ridge (not the SW ridge towards the lake). The view is spectacular, but the toilet seat is for sadists and needs repair. There are also several camping sites along the south ridges from the lookout, but no convenient water sources. 

After securing the lookout with our sleeping gear, we headed down to the lake for a dip. It's farther than it looks (the lookout is at 6900', and the lake is at 5700'), requiring significant route finding in boulder fields and scrambling. There isn't a defined route, but you'll want to switch back through boulder fields instead of going directly towards the lake. The last bit of access to the lake is tricky, but there are two areas that you can climb down from that are the least harrowing. At the far western edge of the lake, work your way south along the shoreline, and you should find paths down. There are several good flat boulders to sunbathe on and jump off. 

Day 3
With the lookout door closed to keep out the flies, the space got stuffy overnight (the windows don't open), so we awoke pretty early. The sunrise from the lookout was epic and definitely worth the trip up. We packed up and headed back to the TH. It took us a little under 2hrs to get down.

Once we got off FR1540 and back onto Cascade River Road, we went to checkout the Sahalee trailhead. It was worth the detour, but the area was packed with vehicles. 

On the way out, we had lunch and beers at the Upriver Grill & Taproom in Marblemount - which I highly recommend.