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Three Fingers Lookout

Arlington, Washington

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

14.31 miles

Elevation Gain

4357 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by James Brady

Hiking to Three Fingers Lookout offers up the opportunity to visit and possibly sleep in one of the most stunning lookouts in the entire state of Washington. 

Approximately 11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA, on the Mt. Loop Highway,  turn onto Forest Service road 41 and follow this road for 18.0 miles to the trailhead. The road is quite rough and it is recommended you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. There is a washout about halfway along the road, and many drivers stop here and hike or bike the rest of the way to the trailhead. The trailhead sign is slightly before the road comes to an end, but can be hard to spot as the trees around it have become overgrown. 

Follow the trail for 2.5 miles until you reach Saddle Lake. After hiking two more miles, you will emerge into Goat Flats, where you will be rewarded with 360 degree views from the ridge. Campsites can be found here and are a good option if the lookout is already full when you arrive. 

The trail to continues past Goat Flats and up to Tin Gap. From this point on, numerous snowfields will be encountered and ice axes and crampons may be necessary. Late season you can keep off of the ice in some areas, however you should still bring the necessary equipment. The last stretch of the trail includes a scramble over rocks until you reach three ladders up to the lookout. These ladders can be a little unnerving but are completely manageable. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with views from one of the most stunning lookouts in the entire state of Washington.  

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Features

Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Three Fingers Lookout Reviews

This is a late report… hiked July 29th overall conditions were good but very steep snow turned around about 1mile from the look out. Made a video of conditions it can be found here: https://youtu.be/h84KX91CBXA

With the bridge out there is an extra 8 miles to the trail head.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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