Hike Park Butte Lookout

Starting at the parking lot (3250 ft), it is easy to spot the Park Butte Trailhead. This hike begins with ease and will guide you across Sulphur Creek and through Schrieber’s Meadow, where stunning beds of wildflowers grow in the summer and where handfuls of huckleberries and blackberries can be eaten in the autumn. At 0.1 mile, on the right is the intersection with the Scott Paul Trail - continue left through the meadow.

At about 0.7 mile you will meet up with some boulder fields; be sure to look for cairns (rock stacks) that will help navigate you through the rocks to meet back with the trail. At times, the water in this area can be high, and there is a ladder bride in place to help you forge your way through.

Once you meet back up with the trail, you will notice the terrain changes to towering trees, and the trail begins to climb. At two miles you will meet your second junction with the Scott Paul Trail (4400 ft). Continue hiking on to the left. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled in the late summer and autumn months - we spotted a bear on our trip... It is always best to keep a healthy distance, show respect for all living things and talk so that wild animals know you are in their presence. Usually, they are equally as scared of you as you are of them.

Continue on, taking in the views of Mount Baker and open meadows. For photographers, there are some great little ponds to take reflection photos of right before the last stretch up to the lookout.

When you reach the lookout (5450 ft) be sure to take in the spectacular surrounding views. You will see Mount Baker, the Black Buttes, Lincoln and Colfax Mountains. To the southwest are the Twin Sisters, and the Nooksack River Valley heads west to the horizon. If you come on a clear and sunny day, take in the views of the sheer white glaciers of Koma Kulshan.

First-come, first-served camping overnight is available in the fire lookout. Early arrival may be necessary to snag this spot!