Hike to Thorp Mountain Lookout

2.5 Miles Round Trip - 1650 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail

The Knox Creek Trail - Search Nearby - Added by Hannah Gorlick

Summit Thorp Mountain via the Knox Creek Trail on a steep but rewarding hike with 360 degree views of Lake Kachess, Mount Rainier, Mount Stuart, Mount Daniel and the Dutch Miller Gap peaks.

This trail features beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer season and is relativity low trafficked. Bring your hammock for breathtaking views from the lookout and catch an incredible sunset. The summit has no established camping spots, so if staying overnight prepare to sleep on uneven ground and avoid camping on the alpine meadows.

From the intersection of French Cabin Creek Road #4308 and Thorp Lake Road #4312:

1. Continue straight along Road #4308 for approximately 2.0 miles, until an intersection with Knox Creek Road #120. Veer right onto this road.

2. Follow Knox Creek Road #120 for approximately 2.1 miles to the Knox Creek Trailhead, located on the rightside of the road. Parking spaces in the area are very limited, and on located on the side of the road.

3. The Knox Creek Trail #1315.1 begins (~4200' elevation) by steeply switchbacking up rocky and wildflower-filled slopes.

4. After 1.3 miles, the Knox Creek Trail #1315.1 intersects (~5300' elevation) with the Kachess Ridge Trail #1315 (north-south trail). Turn right, heading north along the Kachess Ridge Trail.

5. After 1.0 miles, the Kachess Ridge Trail #1315 intersects with the Thorp Mountain Trail #1315.2 (~5200' elevation).

6. Turn onto Thorp Mountain Trail #1315.2, which leads to the summit (5854' elevation) of Thorp Mountain. Rounding the top you will see the lookout.