Heybrook Lookout
Heybrook Lookout holds a special place in my heart because it is located in one of my favorite towns in Washington, Index. I have completed several hikes around Index including Heybrook, Barclay Lake, and Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls. I’ve hiked to Heybrook Lookout twice so far, once in June by myself and again in November with my sister. In June, I captured drone footage of the lookout and surrounding mountains on my DJI Mini 3 Pro. After I purchased my Fujifilm X-T5 later in the year, I wanted to go back to the lookout to test out my new camera. I used this recipe from the FujiXWeekly app:
The hike to Heybrook Lookout is a short 2.6 miles round-trip, but it is all uphill and has an elevation gain of about 850 feet. You can also spend the night at this lookout! Reservations can be made here, but you can only stay in it from May-October and reservations fill up FAST. If you are just hiking to the lookout for the day, like most people, your journey starts by winding up the hillside through the lush forest. You can still hear cars driving by on the highway at the beginning of the trail. The noise quickly disappears the further you climb uphill. As you become enveloped by the forest you will pass by birds, mushrooms, and a plethora of vegetation.
After climbing uphill for 1.3 miles, you will finally arrive at the lookout. If you brought snacks, I wouldn’t eat them quite yet (I’ll explain why in a minute). Heybrook Lookout towers at around 70 feet tall. When you look at it from the ground, it doesn’t seem very tall, but it definitely feels tall once you are at the top looking down. The area at the bottom of the lookout has views of the mountains across the valley, picnic tables, and a toilet.
As you start to climb the stairs in the lookout, you might begin to regret the decision to climb to the top. I am terrified of heights and so is my sister, but the views at the top are worth the temporary fear. The tower may seem unstable because it shakes a little and is made of wood, but I assure you it is safe and secure.
The 180-degree views that await you after the heart pounding climb are breathtaking. You will have an unobstructed view of Mount Baring to your left and Mount Index to your right. The entrance to the lookout’s room is above the top platform. If the door to this room above the stairs is closed, then the lookout is most likely occupied, so be mindful of your noise level.
Now that you have reached the top, you can pull out your snacks. Both times that I have been to this lookout there have been birds sitting in the trees or on the railing waiting to swoop in for scraps. If you are patient enough, you might be able to get a bird to land on your arm. I saw a woman achieve this the first time that I went to the lookout. Even if you can’t get them to land on you, they still get very close when offered food. Obviously don’t feed the birds anything that might harm them, but a little slice of fruit or nuts won’t hurt them.
Note for the reader: I share these locations so that others can see beautiful places and enjoy nature as much as I do. Please be respectful of the outdoors and what condition it is in when you visit. Don’t go off trail, leave no trace, and pack out what you came in with.
