Did a quick overnight at the Fire Lookout with two other friends for the Memorial Day Weekend. The drive out of Enumclaw took about an hour and 15 mins to arrive at the trailhead. The roads are paved most of the way up, leaving a small gravel and dirt section 5 miles before the trailhead.
We arrived late Saturday evening loaded to bear with food and more than enough supplies in our backpacks as we knew this hike was very short. The trail was really easily, until about 3/4 of a mile in when it takes a very steep change in pace for about 1/2 a mile. Its after this steep section that you encounter the only snow on the entire trail, which was barely a hundred yards of really shallow and easily traverse-able snow. We were lucky to find that no on else had occupied the fire lookout, leaving us with a pristine and fully stocked home on top of the mountain essentially. I've been to a fair share of fire lookouts and this one was probably the nicest with enough room for 2 cots and a bed along with many other extra provisions that may come in handy for a hiker in need.
The weather was decently clear the whole length of trail, just until we reached the snow section. I don't know if its typical meteorological behavior but the fire lookout was doused within thick clouds for most of the night, having a few breaks here and their for pictures. It was only when the sun rose the next morning that it all burned off, making for a terrific, 360 degree panorama at the top. Highly recommended hike.
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