KUOW Hike of the Week

Updated Friday August 5, 2011, Thorp Mountain Lookout near Salmon La Sac. With a mostly sunny weekend in the forecast this lookout will offer great views of Mt. Rainier, Mount Stuart and Mount Daniel. Also lots of wildflowers, but they are at their peak now. Might still be a random snow patch near the top but most of the snow is gone. There are two trailheads to this lookout the most direct goes via Knox Creek Trail but road is narrow in places so your car might get a scratch or two from brushes. If that is an issue take option 2 trailhead which is a little longer hike.
Photo below is view of the Stuart Range

Photo below is view of Thorp Lake

Photo below is Thorp Lookout

Photo below is view of Cascades

Photo below is one of the many wildflowers

Thorp Mountain Lookout via Knox Creek Trail



Driving Directions:From Seattle drive east on I-90 to take exit 80. Go north on Salmon la Sac Road (State Route 903) about 15 miles and just past the upper end of the lake, turn left onto French Cabin Road (Forest Road 4308). Drive about 3.25 miles past FS 4312 and continue about 1.6 miles on FS 4308 and then turn right on FS Road 120 and proceed about 2 miles to the Knox Creek Trailhead on the right.
Trail Stats Knox Creek: Hike Knox Creek Trail number 1315.1 and go 1.3 miles then come to trail junction and turn right on trail number 1315 and go additional 1.2 miles to the lookout. Total 1654 foot elevation gain and the high point at 5854 feet. Total miles one way of 2.5 miles or 5 miles round trip
Directions and trail stats are our best estimate however please have a good local map and or a GPS unit

Option Two Thorp Mountain Lookout via Thorp Creek Trail

Driving Directions:From Seattle drive east on I-90 to take exit 80. Go north on Salmon la Sac Road (State Route 903) about 15 miles and just past the upper end of the lake, turn left onto French Cabin Road (Forest Road 4308). Drive about 3.25 miles turn right on FS 4312 and drive about 1.25 miles to FS 121 and park by gate. Walk a short distance to trail 1316.
Trail Stats Thorp Creek Trail: Hike Thorp Creek Trail number 1316 and go 3 miles and then come to trail junction and turn left on trail number 1315 and go additional 0.5 miles to the lookout. Total 2354 foot elevation gain and the high point at 5854 feet. Total miles one way of 3.5 miles or 7 miles round trip
Directions and trail stats are our best estimate however please have a good local map and or a GPS unit.
Photos by Michael Fagin