Thorp Mountain Lookout is a 9-mile round-trip hike with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain along No Name Ridge to a 5,854-foot fire lookout above Kachess Lake. The trailhead is reached from Salmon La Sac Road past Cooper Lake.
Closure: As of October 6, 2026, the Forest Service lists Forest Road 4617, the road to this trailhead, and the Thorp Creek Trail (#1316) as closed through October 31, 2026 because of the Three Queens Fire. Check the closure order (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Quick facts
- Distance: 9.0 miles round trip via No Name Ridge
- Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
- High point: 5,854 feet
- Pass: Northwest Forest Pass (opens in a new tab) or America the Beautiful pass
- Road: rough, high clearance recommended
Why go
The lookout near the top has big views over Kachess Lake and the surrounding Cascade peaks, and the route passes open meadows and old growth.
The final push to the lookout is steep.
Our take: A challenging climb to a historic fire lookout, and one of the best views in the area.
Getting there
From Roslyn, drive north on Salmon La Sac Road (Highway 903) about 13.5 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 46. Go about 7.5 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 4617, the first left after Cooper Lake. After a little over a mile, turn left at the fork and drive 3.1 miles to the ridge top. The roads are rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is best.
Before you go
- Check the fire closure first. The access road is on the closure list.
- Bring a Northwest Forest Pass (opens in a new tab).
- Packing list: our hiking gear checklist.
Common questions
How long is the hike to Thorp Mountain Lookout?
About 9.0 miles round trip via No Name Ridge, with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Is the road to Thorp Mountain open?
Not right now. As of October 6, 2026, the Forest Service lists Forest Road 4617 as closed through October 31, 2026 because of the Three Queens Fire.
Trail stats from Washington Trails Association (opens in a new tab). Closure from the Forest Service (opens in a new tab). Last checked October 11, 2026.
More in this area: Rachel Lake, Hyas Lake, the Salmon La Sac area guide.
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