Sulphur Mountain

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This trail starts at the end of the Suiattle River Road. It climbs 4,600 relentless feet, all in the trees, to a small meadow ridge and big views. For more adventure, you can continue to the true summit of Sulphur, all your efforts will be worth it.
North of Darrington on Hwy 530, take the Suiattle River Road 23 miles to its end.
Access
Elevation: 6,200 feet at lookout, 6,735 feet at summit
Distance: 5.5 miles to lookout, 1.2 more to summit
Elevation Gain: 4,600 to lookout, 1,000 more to summit
Road Access: Good Gravel
Mtn. Loop Hwy.
Former Lookouts
Start down the Suiattle River Trail and in 0.2 miles is a sign and left turn onto the Sulphur Mountain Trail. The trail immediately climbs and doesn't stop until tree line. Bring a friend or some good music, because it is mind-numbing, although the steep open forest gullies are kind of interesting. After reaching the ridge viewing location and you wish to continue, drop down the other side of the ridge to a col at 5950. Climb the ridgeline until you hit a bunch of huge boulders. It is possible to skirt about 100 feet below the ridge, although there are some boulders to work around. If you stay on the ridge top, you'll just have to hop the mammoth boulders. Continue beyond finding meadows and easier terrain on the south face of Sulphur to the summit.
Route
Dome Peak glacier peak glacier peak Suiattle River Valley Suiattle River Valley Sulphur Mountain sulphur mountain trail sulphur mountain trail Whitehorse Mountain Suiattle River Valley Lime Ridge sulphur mountain map Eldorado Sulphur Mountain north cascades Mt. Baker Sulphur Mountain Lake trail sign Sulphur Mountain Glacier Peak
If you like looking at this for hours, you will love this trail
A little snow for variety
Lookout location from the north point of the ridge (off-trail)
Sulphur Ridge and Mountain
Suiattle River Valley from the lookout area
Glacier Peak from the lookout area
Sulphur Mountain from the lookout area
Sulphur Mountain Lake & looking north from the lookout area
White Chuck Mountain & Whitehorse Mountain
Dome Peak
Upper Suiattle River Valley from Sulphur Mountain
Lower Suiattle River Valley from Sulphur Mountain with lookout area on right
Looking north from Sulphur Mountain
Mt. Baker from Sulphur Mountain
Glacier Peak from Sulphur Mountain
Lime Ridge from the lookout area
Eldorado in far back
Looking east from Sulphur Mountain
Bonanza from Sulphur Mountain
Why was this trail built? The trail seems like it was built for horses, as if plans were made for a fire lookout. The trail stops at a flat area. The lake below is even called Lookout Lake. Many old trip reports call this a lookout site. But was it? The jury is still out on this one.
Possible Lookout Site
mountaineers
No indication of a lookout in this 1964 mountaineers trip guide.