Heybrook look out
Inside lookout
Heybrook look out
Heybrook look out view
Mt Baring and Gunn Peak

Featured amenities

Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity

About Heybrook Lookout

The Heybrook Lookout sits atop its namesake ridge at 1.7 ft. The lookout itself rises 67 ft above the ridgeline and provides spectacular views of breathtaking glacial peaks surrounding the valley. The first Heybrook fire lookout was a simple tent platform built in 1925. The Forest Service replaced it seven years later with a 45-foot log leg tower, with a ground-level cabin intended as sleeping quarters for fire rangers; however, rampant rodents eventually drove the rangers up into the tower where they lived until a 67-foot lookout was built in 1964. Heybrook Lookout is one of only 106 lookouts left in Washington State.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Photography

Photography

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Connectivity and Media

Connectivity and Media

  • Cell Reception
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
  • Propane

Cabin Interior

  • Toilet Type
  • Bedrooms
  • Sleeping Capacity
  • Heating

Views and Setting

  • View
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Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

✨ Hut
  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
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Reviews

50 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Heybrook Lookout offers a wonderful experience with stunning views and well-maintained accommodations, making it a favorite for many visitors. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, amenities like propane stoves, and the charm of the lookout. While some noted issues with noise from large groups and the need for better bathroom maintenance, the overall consensus is that it's a beautiful and memorable spot worth visiting again.

Based on guest feedback

4.7

Overall rating

Based on 50 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 76.0% (38)
4 stars 18.0% (9)
3 stars 2.0% (1)
2 stars 4.0% (2)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 50 reviews

Marc J

Verified

August 30, 2025 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

Great experience - beautiful views, lookout had three mattresses, not overly comfortable, but fine for a night. A great experience if you get the chance!

Helpful

sybil e

Verified

August 29, 2025 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

This tower is an absolute must see. It's hard to get a reservation but so worth it. It's almost emotional being up there while the sun sets and the stars come out. We were pleasantly surprised with how well stocked the cabin was. Even offering solar lights and phone chargers. We did encounter many hikers starting at 6 a.m but they were all respectful and did not try to open the hatch to the top level where we were staying. An absolute must see and I will be going back.

It asks about cell recception, we have phone service through Xfinity which isn't a listed option. Our cell service was great, able to facetime, load videos ect.

Helpful

Kristen B

Verified

July 12, 2025 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

Amazing views and wonderful accommodations! I applaud the forest service for all of the amenities with this lookout. I have rented 8 lookouts over the years and most do not have working propane, let alone a scenic toilet. This is by far the busiest lookout our family has rented. Visitors from sun up to sun down, not all of who were respectful of quiet hours. We rented on busy 4th of July and probably had at least 40 groups come up. Also, not a great area for viewing stars, too much light pollution. The hike up with all your gear is not for the weak. It would be nice to have the gate to the road with a padlock with a code for only those who rent it to get the gear in. There was also highway noise to consider and lights from nearby cabins. Unlike other lookouts, I did not feel secluded or remote. Beautiful landscape and overall fun rental!

Helpful

Ken B

Verified

June 14, 2025 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

The Heybrook Lookout is well maintained and charming. What a wonderful opportunity for adventurous travelers. A huge thank you to the US Forest Service and the other federal agencies which maintain and protect our public lands heritage.

Helpful

Pnina S

Verified

May 24, 2025 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

Beautiful penthouse views with surprisingly spacious room with a queen bed and two twin mattresses. Many fun board games to enjoy as well as convenient propane stove. Highly recommend.

Helpful

Joyce L

Verified

October 30, 2024 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

What fun time! Gorgeous views and the lookout is well maintained. There is a full-size bed and 2 single mattresses. There were more amenities that we thought there would be - propane burners, plates, utensils, pots, a table, a bookshelf with games and puzzle - we had a blast looking at the views, gazing at the stars and playing cards.

Helpful

Christy K

Verified

October 12, 2024 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

This was the experience of a lifetime- we hiked up in the dark and found everything easily. The view in the morning was just beyond description. Very comfortable beds, perfectly working propane stove, and the heater was much appreciated.

We didn’t have early visitors because it was rainy, but definitely keep the trap door locked because somebody came up during the only 5 minute it was unlocked, and it was very weird to have them up top while eating breakfast.

The toilet was actually really beautiful, but we never would have found it in the dark.

Helpful

Eric E

Verified

July 31, 2024 Stayed at: Heybrook Lookout, Loop: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT

Very unique experience with amazing views. Recommend packing adequate water, 1-2 gallons per day/per person. Also know that we found this to be a very popular hiking destinations with frequent visitors respectfully enjoying balcony area directly below from 5am to 9pm.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Heybrook Lookout

Po Box 305, Skykomish, WA 98288 United States

Elevation: 256 ft

Getting There

Drive U.S. 2 for 2 mi east of the town of Index, just past milepost 37. Limited parking for the trailhead is located on the north side of the highway across from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest sign.

From the trailhead, it is a 1 mi hike...

Nearest town

Skykomish, WA - 11 mi

About 13 min to downtown

Highway access

Heybrook Lookout is accessible via U.S. Highway 2, located approximately 2 miles from the trailhead, east of Index.

Policies & Rules

General

  • Reservations cannot be made for more than 2 days in a row. Entry to the lookout is by key, which must be obtained from the Skykomish Ranger Station.
  • Water is not available; guests must bring their own supply of water.
  • Extreme caution must be taken when using lanterns, cook stoves or any other appliances with open flame (candles and incense is prohibited).
  • Pack out all food and garbage and clean the facility before you leave. Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears and other wildlife from area.
  • Please do not let pets roam freely, as they may endanger wildlife and plants or themselves. Pets are not allowed in the lookout or on the stairs.
  • Access to the lookout in October may be impacted by early snow. Please check with the ranger station for current conditions.
  • Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure.
  • The cabin is a no-smoking facility.
  • Contact the Skykomish Ranger District at (360) 677-2414 prior to arrival to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect your visit. Once a reservation has been made, each party is responsible for contacting the ranger station to make arrangements to pick up their key.
  • Click here for more information about Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Explore Skykomish, WA

Population: 92

Nearby city: Kirkland, WA

Approx. 33 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 928 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service