No pain, no gain! This is a tough hike gaining 5,100 vertical feet in
5.2 miles, but the reward of reaching the summit and the lookout is
tremendous with jaw dropping vistas of N. Cascades
peaks/glaciers/valleys, Ross Lake and Diablo Lake. And, a sense of big
accomplishment echoes within no doubt. If you want a physical (and also
mental) challenge to earn amazing landscape and mountain views for your
hike, this is a good one to try.
Trailhead
There is a big trail sign on Diablo St. Park your car along the street. There is a storage(?) building right there. You'll see a trail information board on the left of the building, but the actual trail is located behind the building on the right side.
Sourdough Mountain
The trail climbs steeply in the first 3.5 miles. You'll notice trail's steep grade from the beginning as the first 2 miles gain 3,000 vertical feet, which reminded me of the steep trails of Mailbox Old Trail and Mt. Rose. The journey goes through the dense forest and lush vegetation about 3 miles (making you feel it's endless!) until the treeline gradually thins out. To some point, I felt like meditating (mental challenge!), except I had to keep trekking instead of being still. In about 3.5 miles, views finally start to open. As you continue to gain elevations, the view gets better and better....wow! There is a creek to cross at Sourdough Camp, but it's almost completely dry and just a little streak of water running. So, bring enough water with you for this strenuous hike.
The last mile or so climbs the steep face of the mountain's hillside with switchbacks and gets a little rocky here and there. Wildflowers (paintbrush) are still blooming and fall colors are starting to show, too. And, there are so many wild berries there! Ripe and sweet!! I think I picked at least a half pint or so munching them along the way to the top. Yum!! Rejuvenated with berries sweet power, the final push to the summit felt a bit easier.
Lookout
To reach the lookout on the summit, continue to the right (east) following the trail, and soon you'll see the lookout standing on the hilltop not so far. The trail moderately gains elevation to the lookout in a short distance about 1/3 mile.
Take in the fantastic views! Wow! Before you is the reward after the grueling march ascending 5,100 feet! Spectacular vistas of high peaks and valleys of N. Cascades in all directions as far as you can see and Ross Lake and Diablo Lake down below. The colors of the lakes are amazing - deep blue and emerald green...another Wow moment. The summit is fairly spacious and covered with granite slabs/rocks so you can explore the area around the lookout (keep "minimum impact" in mind) and enjoy different perspectives of the views and terrains. You'll come to know why this mountain top was chosen for the "lookout" point.
The lookout is locked/closed to the public and it's the National Historic Lookout Register. It was one of the first lookout points established by the USFS in1915. Through the window you can observe what's inside. Items displayed inside look interesting....it's like a museum.
I guess this hike may be intimidating, probably because of the elevation gain for the distance with the steep trail, but it's doable if you are a fit or seasoned hiker. Just take your time and pace yourself. The reward you see from the top is beyond description. It took me 3 hrs going up and 2.5 hrs coming down. Hiking poles are useful to save your knees, specially in descending the last 2 miles/3,000 feet vertical down to the trailhead. And....pick a clear day to do this hike so that your sweat and effort are better rewarded with the breathtaking views at the top. Big effort, fantastic reward. Happy hiking! :)
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