Hike to Desolation Peak Lookout, Washington State

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Desolation Peak is in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington state, about 6.2 miles (10.0 km) south of the Canada–United States border and in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It was first climbed in 1926 by Lage Wernstedt, who named it for the destruction caused by a forest fire that swept the slopes bare that same year. At the summit stands a small, wooden, one room fire lookout belonging to the National Park Service. The lookout is 15 miles (24 km) from the nearest road and overlooks miles of forest and numerous other peaks. The windswept hut in question is a historic fire lookout with larger-than-life panoramas. It's one of the best spots to marvel at the twin peaks of Hozomeen Mountain as well as a perfect place for existential soul searching. Jack Kerouac spent 63 days during the summer of 1956 as a fire lookout on Desolation Peak. He wrote about his experiences in the books Lonesome Traveler, The Dharma Bums and Desolation Angels. Desolation Peak Trail is a steep hike to open meadows, grand vistas and a historic fire lookout. It is a popular day hike for boaters staying on Ross Lake, or a scenic but strenuous side trip for backpackers along the East Bank Trail. Many hikers come to see the site of poet and writer Jack Kerouac's mountainous sojurn. This is a steep hike that is often hot and dry; know your limits and bring plenty of water. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays. Permits are limited. There is no camping allowed on the summit of Desolation, but there is a designated camp located about 1 mile (1.6 km) below the summit. This small camp holds only one party of up to eight people, and there is no water source after the snows melt. Fires are not allowed, and a bear cannister is required for camping at Desolation Camp. The next closest camps are on Ross Lake, including Lightning Creek and others. Access is via the East Bank Trail, or from Ross Lake by boat. The East Bank Trailhead is located near milepost 138 on State Route 20. Hike 16 miles (26 km) to the trail junction for Desolation Peak. Boat transportation from Ross Lake Resort (206-386-4437) may be arranged to the Desolation Trailhead. Hikers also can access the trail and Ross Lake from Hozomeen campground on the U.S.-Canadian Border. If accessing the trail via boat, there is also a dock for the Desolation Trail two miles (3.2 km) north of Lightning Creek.

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