Sourdough Mountain Trail

I cannot remember things I once read
A few friends, but they are in cities.
Drinking cold snow-water from a tin cup
Looking down for miles
Through high still air.
–Gary Snyder, from "Mid-August on Sourdough Mountain Lookout"

 

Distance - one way	Elevation gain	Use	Difficulty
To Sourdough lookout: 5.2 miles (8.4 km) To junction with West Bank of Big Beaver Trail: 11.1 miles (18 km)	4870 ft (1484 m)	Hiking only	Strenuous

 

A hiker descends from Sourdough Lookout via the Pierce Mountain side of the trail

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One of the most strenuous trails in the park reaps stunning rewards for hikers or backpackers willing and able to make the grueling trek. The historic lookout on the summit of Sourdough Mountain can be approached via Diablo or Pierce Mountain sides. Both trails are steep, and both pass through forest and then meadow communities before arriving at the rocky lookout site, with views of lakes, peaks, and glaciers in every direction. See the detailed trail description for more information.

Special Concerns:

• Leashed pets are allowed only within the Ross Lake Recreation Area—pets are not allowed at either of the camps or the lookout summit.
• This area has very fragile vegetation. Please take care to avoid trampling the vegetation by hiking and resting only on durable surfaces such as the trail, snow or rocks.
• Fires are not allowed at any of the backcountry camps in this area.
• Steep snow and routefinding hazards in early season, be especially cautious crossing Sourdough Creek on the snow as the snow bridges weaken and melt.
• Sourdough Lookout is closed to the public

Backcountry Camping: A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays. Permits are limited. Camping is available in two designated camps along Sourdough Ridge. Sourdough Camp is 4.2 miles (6.8 km) from Diablo trailhead and Pierce Mountain Camp is about one mile (1.6 km) east of the lookout on the other side. Both camps are small, holding only four people maximum. Bring a stove for cooking. There is no camping at the lookout.

Access: Drive State Route 20 to mile 126, then turn at the sign for the town of Diablo. Park next to the river, across from the domed swimming pool. The trail passes behind the swimming pool, then switchbacks upward. To access this trail via the Pierce Mountain side, drive State Route 20 to mile 134, Ross Dam Trailhead. Follow the trail to Ross Dam, then the Big Beaver Trail to the junction to Pierce Mountain, 3.8 miles (6 km) from the trailhead.

 

Autumn colors and glaciated mountain backdrops are some of the spectacular vistas from the Sourdough Mountain Trail

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Detailed Trail Description

Diablo approach: In the first 3.5 miles (5.6 km), hikers switchback relentlessly through forest, passing little to no water sources. The grade finally eases, and the trail begins to pass into meadows, just before reaching Sourdough Creek and camp at 4.2 miles (6.8 km). Use caution in crossing Sourdough Creek, particularly when it is bridged by snow, as the snow could weaken and give way. Efforts are grandly rewarded in the last 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of subalpine meadow and ridge top, with giddy views of Diablo Lake far below. Wildflowers, birds, small mammals, deer, and black bear thrive there. Views from the summit are spectacular: peaks and valleys in all directions. Blue lakes, grand glaciers, and the volcanic dome of Mount Baker highlight the display.

Pierce Mountain approach: This route is longer (9.9 miles or 16 km from the Ross Dam Trailhead) and less steep. The lower trail follows Ross Lake. The upper trail ascends through Douglas-fir and mountain hemlock forest zones, before breaking into subalpine meadows. Hikers pass through an old burn area from 1978, now overgrown with lush grasses. Pierce Mountain Camp is set amid a number of shallow tarns (the only water source along this section of trail). Above the camp, the trail is indistinct, and easily lost in early summer snow. Follow rock cairns along the ridge to Sourdough Lookout.

It is possible to make a long loop trip by linking the Sourdough Mountain Trail to the Ross Dam Trail and then the Diablo Lake Trail, and walking short distances along the Diablo Dam road and through the town of Diablo. A short trail leads down alongside Diablo Dam, connecting the lake to the town below, and returning to the Sourdough Mountain trailhead. The entire loop is approximately 20.5 miles (33 km).

A historic landmark, the summit of Sourdough was one of the first "lookout" points established by the U.S. Forest Service in 1915. Glee Davis built the original lookout in 1917. A neighboring peak to the west of Sourdough is named for the Davis family. The present building, dating to 1933, was rehabilitated in 1998-99. "Bush" Osborne chose the location to test his fire locating device. The Osborne Firefinder soon became standard equipment in lookouts.

 

Ninety-three percent of North Cascades National Park Service Complex is designated as the Stephen Mather Wilderness, set aside by law for "the American people of present and future generations" for our protection and enjoyment. Please follow all Leave No Trace hiking and camping practices to reduce your impact on this special place and leave it unimpaired for future generations.