How To Elope at a Fire Lookout in Washington
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable way to elope in Washington State, then eloping at a fire lookout may be for you! It is an intimate and adventurous way to tie the knot. With breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and lakes, fire lookout cabins offer a rustic and romantic setting for exchanging vows! Eloping at a fire lookout in Washington can be a magical and memorable way to start your new life together. Come read along and see exactly how you can elope at one of these amazing locations in Washington!
What is a fire lookout?
A fire lookout, often referred to as a fire tower, is a building used for spotting and keeping an eye on wildfires that is generally placed on top of a mountain or another high point in a forest. The United States Forest Service used these to spot and stop wildfires before they spread. Many of the fire lookouts that were once used for firefighting have now been deactivated and transformed into rustic lodgings for hikers, campers, and adventurers who enjoy the beautiful views!
The Different Types of Fire Lookouts
In Washington State, there are many kinds of fire lookouts, each with a distinctive style and background. Some lookouts, like the L-4 towers, are more compact metal or wood constructions that were widely utilized in the early 1900s. Some are bigger, more up-to-date buildings with facilities like kitchens and restrooms, like the L-6 cabins. Some of these fire lookouts are accessible by car, but others require a hike and a backcountry permit.
Do I Need A Reservation?
Reservations vary in Washington State depending on what fire lookout you choose. If you’re wanting to spend the night in a lookout and guarantee privacy, I recommend going with one that requires a reservation. Here’s a resource that shows the fire lookouts that you can reserve. If you don’t mind sharing the lookouts with others or just want pop in and see what they look like, you don’t really need a reservation.
Since reservation policies can change over time, make sure you check with the fire lookout you are interested in to verify!
The Best Fire lookouts in washington for an elopement
Park Butte
Park Butte Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower built in 1932. The tower offers panoramic views of the North Cascades, including Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the surrounding peaks. You can access this lookout through Austin Pass trail, which is a moderate hike that is approximately 7 miles round trip.
Sun Top
Sun Top Lookout is a 1930s-era fire lookout tower that offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and the surrounding foothills. This fire lookout is accessible through Sun Top Trailhead. It is a moderate hike that ends up being about 4.6 miles round trip.
Red Top
Red Top Lookout is a rustic cabin-style fire lookout tower built in 1934. The tower offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys, including the White River Valley, Greenwater River Valley, and Mount Rainier. To get to this lookout, you will take a moderate hike from Red Top Lookout Trailhead that is about 3.4 miles round trip.
Winchester Mountain
Winchester Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower built in 1935. The tower offers 360 views of the North Cascades, including Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the surrounding peaks. Take Twin Lakes Trailhead about 7 miles round trip and you’re there! This lookout is one of my favorites and most popular hikes for eloping couples who want gorgeous views of the North Cascades as well as a fun fire lookout experience! Here is an example elopement at this lookout.
Mt. Pilchuck
The 1930s saw construction of the fire lookout tower known as Mt. Pilchuck Lookout. The Puget Sound and Cascade Range are among the neighboring peaks that may be seen from the tower's expansive vistas. Head up through the Mt. Pilchuck Trailhead to get there, about 5.4 miles round trip!
Mt. Fremont Lookout
At Washington state's Mount Rainier National Park, Mt. Fremont Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower that provides sweeping views of the mountain, the Cascade Range, and the surrounding lowlands. a 5.6 mile roundtrip hike through Sunrise Visitor Center will get you there! This is another favorite of mine! This hike offers beautiful and huge views of Mount Rainier as well as gorgeous views of the surround valley. It’s a pretty big area at the top of the hike, which works well for elopements. I suggest waking up for sunrise because this lookout is extremely popular and it helps to get there early and beat the crowds. It’s also so magical to watch the sun come up and illuminate the incredible views for the first time!
Tolmie Peak Lookout
At Washington state's Mt. Rainier National Park, Tolmie Peak Lookout is a picturesque fire lookout tower that offers stunning views of the mountain, Eunice Lake, and the surrounding woodlands. It was constructed in 1933 and provides amenities including an observation tower, a lodge, and a pit toilet. Take Mowich Lake Trailhead to get there and it is about 7.5 miles round trip.
High Rock Lookout
At the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington state, High Rock Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower that offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and the surrounding wilderness. It was constructed in 1924 and provides amenities including an observation tower, a lodge, and a pit bathroom. A 3 mile round trip hike through High Rock Trailhead will get you there!
Sierra Jessup Photography | Adventure Elopement Photographer
Fire lookouts are a great option for overnight 2-day elopements where you can elope at sunset, camp in the lookout and then have a sunrise session in the morning with no one else around! If you are ready to capture magic at your adventure elopement in Washington, I’m your girl! Head over to my contact page so we can get started.
