Red Top Lookout is an easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike with 350 feet of elevation gain to a working fire lookout at 5,360 feet near Blewett Pass. It’s short, good for kids, and about 25 miles from Cle Elum.
Quick facts
- Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 350 feet
- High point: 5,360 feet
- Difficulty: Easy, but steep in places
- Pass: Northwest Forest Pass (opens in a new tab) or America the Beautiful pass
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Good for kids: Yes
- Parking: about 20 spaces and a vault toilet
Why go
Red Top is a functioning fire lookout with big mountain views, wildflower meadows and old growth along the short climb. If the lookout is open, you can see inside.
About a mile from the trailhead on the Teanaway Ridge Trail are agate beds. Look, but please don’t take rocks home.
Our take: The trailhead and trails are clean and well marked, though the path gets very thin in some spots.
Getting there
From I-90, take exit 85 and follow Highway 970 east toward Wenatchee for 16.5 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 9738 past Mineral Creek Campground and go 2.6 miles, then turn left onto Forest Road 9702 and follow it about 4.5 miles to the parking area. Save a copy of these directions, since phone map data can be unreliable up there.
Before you go
- Bring a Northwest Forest Pass (opens in a new tab).
- Keep a close eye on kids near the lookout.
- Always check to make sure the trails are open before you go.
- Packing list: our hiking gear checklist.
Common questions
How long is the Red Top Lookout hike?
Red Top Lookout is 1.5 miles round trip with 350 feet of elevation gain.
Can you find agates at Red Top?
Yes. Agate beds are about one mile from the trailhead via the Teanaway Ridge Trail. Please leave the rocks where they are.
Is Red Top Lookout good for kids?
Yes. It’s short and easy, though steep in a few places.
Trail stats from Washington Trails Association (opens in a new tab). Last checked October 11, 2026.
More in this area: all Red Top, Swauk and Blewett Pass hikes.
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