Used this backdoor route to hike up to the Thorp Mountain lookout, less than 5 mi roundtrip.
Road Conditions. Rd 4308 had some potholes, but looked fine for any vehicle. The 2 miles on Rd 4308 were rough and slow, but the worst section appeared to have been patched up a bit, and is now passable for any vehicle with decent clearance and AWD. No signage at the trailhead, just a pullout with plenty of space.
Trail Conditions. The Knox Creek trail was a bit overgrown, but still easy to follow. Should have left the folding saw at home and brought some shears instead... No issues with the Kachess Ridge or Thorp Mountain trails.
Crowds. Saw no one on the Knox Creek and Kachess Ridge trails, but a dozen or so parties on the Thorp Mountain trail, including at the (locked) lookout.
Comments
Anna Roth on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek
Woo! Thanks for a report on this route to Thorp. One of my fave lookouts in Washington.
Posted by:
Anna Roth on Jul 01, 2024 10:29 AM
Old Rod on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek
Thanks for the trip report. I read it before going up yesterday. I found a pair of sunglasses about a mile up the trail. Did you lose any?
Posted by:
Old Rod on Jul 03, 2024 07:45 AM
ejain on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek
Our sunglasses are all accounted for, but thanks for checking!
Posted by:
ejain on Jul 03, 2024 08:02 AM
Bob and Barb on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek
I enjoyed your report and pictures! We haven't hiked to Thorp LO for over 35 years and this was a favorite approach. Our kids grew up camping along the Cle Elum River near its junction with the French Cabin Creek Road so we hiked many times to Thorp Lake and from there to the LO. It was our first backpacking trip with our 2 oldest kids 50 years ago! Your report brought back fun memories and reminded me how old we are! :)!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Jul 13, 2024 10:14 PM
ejain on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek
It's been "only" 10 years since I last visited this lookout... The trail is showing its age, but glad to report that it's still there 😀
Posted by:
ejain on Jul 15, 2024 11:56 AM