Heybrook Lookout

We stayed on a Sunday night in the middle of a heat wave. Started the hike in the late afternoon and it was really hot but barely anyone on the trail!
Lookout was more furnished than I expected; there is actually a double bed, two single mats, several chairs and table for guests to use. There were cooking utensils and pans along with the stove but we didn't use any of it. Some lights worked and some didn't so bring your own. There was even an encyclopedia set (feel bad to the poor soul who hiked this up!).
Views were beautiful all hours of the day! Evening sun makes the lookout very hot. This is a popular hike so expect people. Lookout sways when people hike up the stairs. Most hikers in the public areas of the lookout were respectful during our stay; except for one pair that chatted about personal topics until dark (but before quiet hours).

What a dream! We had the absolute best time up in the Lookout. Wish we could've stayed longer. Views were incredible and we were blessed with mostly clear skies in the night and morning. The Lookout was much larger than we had expected, with the four of us having plenty of space to ourselves while up top. Had to hike from the trailhead up to the top when we originally thought we may be able to use the Forestry Road but it wasn't all that bad. Maybe won't bring such a heavy cooler next time. Absolutely no qualms about staying at Heybrook.

The Heybrook lookout is charming and well-furnished with great views when the weather is clear. The hike is a steady uphill walk but not too long. At first you hear Highway 2 car traffic but the sound of cars eventually fades and it’s nice pleasant woods walk. Our packs were heavy since we brought about 6 liters of water- which was a good amount for 2 people doing a one-night stay. We had weaker cell phone service but could have used our cell phones in an emergency.
Although the lookout has dishes, pots, etc., plus cleaning supplies we brought disposable utensils, plates & our own backpacking cooking pots to avoid carrying even more water for doing dishes. Lookout easily sleeps 2 on the double bed or 4 if you use the mattresses provided and sleep on the floor. Very peaceful and the sounds of Highway 2 don’t reach up there- note that the sounds of the freight trains ARE audible!! The forest service ranger station is about 15 minutes away from the trailhead and their reservation/check-in/ key pickup and return process is contact-less and easy. (Easier than when you had to get there in person during their business hours.)
Okay- now for the downsides: the lookout is so accessible that MANY hikers will visit and many of them don’t seem to realize that the structure physically cannot hold a lot of people! From 7-9am over 65 hikers jammed onto the tower- with over 30, I’d estimate, jammed into the viewing platform below the top at one point! The structure shook and swayed in a frightening way! Hikers made LOTS of noise- again, this is starting at 7am! Also I saw one man put graffiti on the tower, and many people attempted to access the (private) rented part where we were staying despite signs. We were eager to leave even though we technically still had time left on our reservation. DO NOT reserve on a summer weekend or probably any time that the weather is really good!! Final note: if you need to use the bathroom it’s a trek down the stairs and into the woods.

Not a very secluded experience here. The views are amazing of course but you have a steady stream of hikers coming up to the observation deck right beneath the catwalk with seemingly no awareness of the renters. We even had someone pound on the trapdoor at 6am the second day here. Kind of scary. Otherwise the cabin is very well stocked with cooking gear, games, a big sturdy bed, and cleaning supplies. I wish the forest service could do something to at least create awareness around respecting the renters because most of the people I talked to seemed surprised we were there and also thought we were renting via Airbnb. Also the bathroom situation is funny but not the best.

The lookout had a propane stove and many cooking utensils/pans/plates/etc. There was a table and chairs and mattresses. Very trafficked trail, we were disturbed by many hikers. Keep the doors and stair latch locked.

The beauty and solitude of this place made an impression on me. But the hike down in the rain was very sketchy.

Great place to stay, nicely furnished and maintained with books, games, amazing views, heat and two burner stove.

Such stunning views! I have wanted to stay in the Lookout for years and was so excited and grateful to have gotten to do this! Be sure to plan some hikes around the area! You get a bird's eye view of Bridal Falls, so it could be a cool experience if you do the Lake Serene/ Bridal Falls hike pre/post lookout stay to get such a unique experience. Do a little research beforehand so you know what mountains you are viewing, along with wildlife (especially the birds!)

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Beautiful view and hikes around the area. Be sure to bring water. Since there is no water source in the area.