WTA report is accurate for directions. Easy trail to follow. Forest road is a bit long and can get rough in spots, but was able to do it with minimal stress in a low clearance sedan. Parking at the trailhead had a couple of spots and plenty along the road when rolled in around 1000 AM. First time doing it and I think this was past prime fall foliage colors. Colors seemed a bit muted. Still, with sunny skies, no smoke, and a brisk high of mid 60s, was a nice hike. Blueberries are still everywhere and was a pleasure to snipe right from the path as ascended. They started in earnest right around where encounter the pond. Couple of logs across the trail, but was easy to go over. The lookout at the summit looks boarded up for the season (or I think it's permanently boarded up).

1010 AM : start Green Mountain TH

1210 PM : summit with lookout

150 PM : end TH (intermittent running down)

Forest road was in great condition, though I'd definitely prefer a high clearance vehicle here, especially for the six miles of blind turn bumpy gravel road. I made sure to wear orange and pink, as it's bear hunting season. A few parking spaces left at 10:30 AM on a drizzly Saturday. Mostly cloudy, occasional light rain. Peekaboo views of the surrounding mountain ranges on the way up. The lookout was socked in to the east, but in the west we could often see the closest valleys, though not any of the farther peaks. Trail wasn't slippery when damp but crumbled away at one switchback around mile 1.5. Berries are still plentiful. The plants overgrow the trail, so waterproof jacket and pants are needed if they're wet. Just a couple of blowdowns, easy enough to get over. Saw pikas, grouse, chipmunks, gray jays, and a Brewer's blackbird.

It's been a number of years since my first hike here. I wanted to get back in or near to NCNP and this was the best option. 

Trail is in impeccable condition. Berry supply is super extra plentiful, especially once you are above 5k feet. Just seemingly endless amounts. Mostly Cascade blueberry, but many others as prior reports have outlined. I found some black and even a red huckleberry. Had I more time, I would have picked for hours and been set for pancakes for YEARS. 

Unsurprisingly incredible views from the lookout, even though it was mostly cloudy today. I especially enjoyed spying Chickamin Glacier to the east, and capturing a rainbow at just the right moment northward in the distance. Thanks to the volunteers who continue to help this lookout exist. 

With the 20 mile drive from 530 plus a 6 mile narrow one-car wide-forest road, steep and rocky with many blind corners, the trip just to the trailhead itself keeps the numbers of people down on this hike. Gotta be fully committed for this one. 

All said, will be back next late August/early September for a peak berry bonanza. I had thought Upper East Fork Foss had the most but pales in comparison. Plus way less mileage for these anyhow. 

Lastly, it appears dispersed camping is available in the meadow and down a rocky gully on the east side of the lookout. 

RT 8m/3300ft 

The worst part of today's hike was all the smoke that lingered in the valley. It did not seem very smokey on the trail or at the top. But the haze most definitely obstructed the views of the many beautiful mountains, including Glacier Peak. The trail itself was uneventful. Though, once you leave the first section of the hike in the forest, the vegetation on both sides of the trail is quite thick and overgrown. Also, it is currently High Buck Hunt. There were three hunting groups camping in the meadow. So, expect to pass many folks with rifles, and maybe wear some bright clothing until September 25.

When I got to the fire lookout, three U.S. Forest Service staff members had just arrived to make some much needed repairs, and they were also staying the night. It was cool chatting with them about their work as I scarfed down my lunch. There were unhazy, spectacular views of the northward mountains and most of the surrounding valleys. I saw Sooty Grouse, a Northern Harrier, Northern Flicker, Canada Jays, Ravens, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pacific Wren, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Juncos, White-crowned and Golden-crowned and Lincoln's Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Also, a very adorable marmot by the fire lookout (see image).

I very much recommend doing this hike as soon as you can...before the coming snows!

The gravel section of FS Rd 26 is being serviced and is in great shape. The trail is in great shape also; watch your step through the meadow sections.
There is great diversity on this hike, from forest, to mountain-side meadows, to huge swaths of loaded blueberries above. The colors are vibrant right now.
The views from the top are amazing; having a good map or the Peak Finder app is useful.
I saw about 12 people and 3 dogs; heard a few pika eeps and many marmot whistles. The large lady bug population at the lookout was surprising.
If this hike is on your list, get out and do it. You’ll hate it if you’re lying in your deathbed thinking, “Geez, I never did the Green Mt Lookout hike!”
PS: I didn’t see a privy at the TH.