Sulphur Mountain Trail #794

Sulphur Mountain Trail #794 is a steep, most-difficult hiking route in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness. The trail climbs from the Suiattle River Trail system up to the old Huckleberry Mountain Fire Lookout site, making it a classic out-and-back for hard efforts rather than a casual stroll.

The route measures about 5 miles one-way (10 miles round-trip) and gains roughly 4,200 feet, with elevations starting around 1,800 ft and topping out near 6,000 ft. Expect sustained climbing through timbered sections as you work toward the upper ridge.

Water is limited on this hike. There’s a small stream at about the first quarter-mile, and other sources are scarce—so plan as if you’ll carry enough for the whole ascent/descent to wherever you choose to stop.

Early travel stays in the forest and is mostly steep dirt/needle singletrack. You don’t really get payoff terrain until you reach the upper zone near the ridge/rocky high points, where views expand and the tread becomes more open.

As you near the meadow and lookout area, the trail shifts into open forest/ridge hiking and continues toward the historical lookout site. The seasonal lookout “rag house” (a tent shelter used while working the post) is associated with this high point.

On the logistics side, the hike is inside designated wilderness, so wilderness restrictions apply. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking/access under the usual rules, and there’s a vault toilet at the trailhead (where provided).

This route is accessed from the Suiattle River Road/Suiattle River Trailhead area, and road status can affect how you reach the trailhead area—motorized vehicle closures have occurred when washouts damage the road further in.

More information: Conditions, Map, Sulphur Mountain — Washington Trails Association