CHS 1 Hike - Thorp Mountain Lookout

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - Thorp Mountain Lookout

Counterclockwise direction, from Thorp Creek Rd trailhead to Little Joe Lake, then westward toward Thorp Mountain. There are steep sections and some exposed portions of the trail. CHS hike led at a CHS 1 pace (1.5-2.0 mph)

  • Moderate, Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 10.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,700 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 5,856 ft
  • Meet at TH @ 7:30am, ready to hike at 7:45am. On Google Maps, the location is called, "Thorp Creek / Little Joe Lake Trailhead" (that's the exact name and spacing).  Link - https://goo.gl/maps/mMrXAcM8VHbPhkhWA   
  • It's minimum 2 hour drive from Seattle to the trailhead. Reason for the early start is due to construction on I-90, plus July 4th traffic congestion.  The leader & co-leader recently scouted the road & route: the road is suitable for almost all vehicles (we drove a Prius), this trail is very popular, parking is limited and, due to the holiday, there may be lots of cars looking for parking.
  • Plan for a long day. Carpooling will be important.
  • Great views from Thorp Mountain lookout, plus wildflowers along the way. Here's the GPS route - https://www.gaiagps.com/public/x87q84L7FrlqvKWELvqbpjmp
  • Plan for a long day. Between the hike and I-90 traffic, it will be long.
  • After the hike, Rosyln is a nice place to stop for ice cream, beverage or meal. 
Route/Place

Thorp Lake & Lookout


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports