Dayhike to Green Mountain Lookout

I'll get this out the way right up front…Save this one for a sunny day.  The views are amazing and you will regret the effort if all you get to see are clouds.  If your schedule allows try to hit this one midweek to avoid the crowd that shows up on the weekends. 

From Darrington head north on SR 530 for about 7.5 miles, crossing the Sauk River.  Take the first right onto FR 26, the Suiattle River Road.  Drive approximately 19 miles to the Green Mountain Road, FR 2680.  Go left. This road was signed on my last visit, July 2016.  Follow this road for approximately 6 miles to the trailhead.  Parking is along the side of the road.  Good views of the Suiattle River Valley are available from the elevation 3500 ft parking area.  

The first mile of this trail gently ascends through forest.  Break out into the first of several mountainside meadows covered in grasses, bracken fern, and wildflowers.  If you time it right the Tiger Lily and columbine bloom can be amazing. Views of adjacent peaks also start. At about 1.5 miles enter the Glacier Peak Wilderness.  

The trail continues and slowly rounds the end of a ridge before dropping several hundred feet into a small meadow with several tarns.  The descent is rough and somewhat steep, it can also be a bit slick when wet - take care. This area can be buggy if the conditions are right.  It also provides the first glimpse of the lookout at the top of Green Mountain. The trails continues through a small basin that can contain snow late into July before heading up to the summit at 4 miles and 6500 ft.