Suntop lookout is shut down for the season.  Volunteers had a great year, greeting over 3500 visitors this summer (peak day was 240 visitors in one day- over 10 hours that worked out to 24 visitors per open hours.

Shutters are down, equipment is put away, and the lookout is locked up-- the toilet remains open for winter travelers (please close the door tightly to ensure mice don't get in).

See you next June!

www.snoqualmielookouts.org

Drove to the parking area just below the upper gate, took the trail up to the lookout, and then followed the trail all the way down to the Skookum Flats trailhead (where the car magically reappeared).

Road Conditions. The road was in decent condition, not the smoothest, but wide, and it looked like any car could have made it to the upper gate. Don't know what the condition of the final section of road was, but plenty of people drove to the top. The upper gate was going to be closed tomorrow, a few days earlier than planned due to a possible government shutdown.

Trail Conditions. Well-maintained trail with no obstacles and (mostly) decent tread. The crossing of Buck Creek was dry, and the two crossings of Doe Creek only had a trickle of water.

Highlights. Nice views at the top, and briefly on the way down (a small side trail leads to great views of Mt Rainier), but then it's all forest. Some giant trees near the bottom. Didn't see much wildlife, but heard an elk bugle.

Crowds. The lookout was staffed with a volunteer, and a small wedding party was preparing a reception. On the way down, encountered one person heading down on a mountain bike, and two people heading up on motorbikes. Heard target shooting that sounded like it came from the end of Rd 7160, hopefully they had a safe backstop.

I parked at the lower parking lot knowing I wanted to hike the trail up to the lookout. 

With my free USFS Mt Baker-Snoqualmie berry picking permit in hand, I headed up to Suntop hoping to do some huckleberry picking.  No such luck. 

Like the last three years, this once berry abundant trail was completely berry-less.  Hrad to believe that between wildlife and humans all the berries would be gone by now.  Guessing it has more to do with the dry years we have had recently reducing berries available.

The berry bushes were bright red from 5,000 ft to the top.  

It is always cool to see the work done to make the lookout ADA accessible every time I am up there.  This time the ramp has been completed since my last visit a couple of weeks ago.

The gate was closed today.  There were 5 cars that came up to the gate and waited as if there was something that would magically open the gate.  After 10 minutes, they all drove off.  I know the staffing months are typically mid-June to late September.  It did look like the lookout was active.  Hence it may be a week or two before the lookout closes and the gate will be closed permanently for the season.

NOTE: Berry picking permits are free from any USFS Mt Baker-Snoqualmie ranger station.  It allows up to 5 gallons to be picked for personal use only in the MSB region.  If anyone has hand picked huckleberries, getting 1 gallon can take a LONG time!  I always wonder how bear get enough to eat. :-)

It's been ages since I visited Suntop, so it was quite a sight to see all the changes they've made to the trail and lookout. The end goal is to make it ADA, and they are well on their way. The trail was bordered out, new gravel had been laid, and the ramp and deck around the lookout are especially handsome. When I visited, the final gate was open and I drove all the way up.

7315 feels like a primer of Washington FS roads. There's a few dips, some washboarding and small rocky sections. Any vehicle should make it up easily. The final mile from the last gate to the Suntop parking lot could be concerning for some drivers. It's narrow, rocky and there's one wide hairpin turn on the last approach. Personally, I feel like everyone could drive up as long as they took it low and slow, but as always, rely on your own preferences and risk aversion. I also spoke with the volunteer, and she let me know the final gate is only open if the lookout is staffed.

Decided to hike Skookum Flats today with our 9, 7, and 3 year old. Our first time here. This is a lovely riverside ramble with beautiful views along the way, although the falls viewpoint is sadly just a trickle at this time of year. I’d wait until spring if you want to see the falls. The trail is fairly wide and easy though, our 3 year old did most of it by himself. And my son spotted 3 garter snakes coiled together right by the trail, that was fun! There was plenty of room in the parking area when we arrived at 10 but overflowing when we left around 12:45.
Then we headed up to the Suntop Fire Lookout, and found that both gates were open so we drove straight up. This was a major highlight for all of us including the kids! The volunteers there were so kind, knowledgeable about the tower, and taught us a lot about forest fire safety while patiently answering all the kids’ and our own questions and showing the kids how all the equipment works! Forest Service volunteers sleep and eat in the tower during their shift. Imagine falling asleep and waking up to those gorgeous 360 views while also keeping our forests safe every single day!? Highly recommend a visit.