Red Top Mountain — Local services in Cle Elum

Short, steep half mile trail after about 8 miles of logging road. Careful of oncoming traffic. This is a working fire lookout staffed all fire season by volunteers. If they are not busy the on duty lookout is usually happy to give the tour. On a clear day Mt Adams and Mt Rainier are visible to the south. Closer in are the Yakima River Valley. Cle Elum and Ellensburg are hidden by ridges. To the east is Table Mountain, a glimpse of the top of Mission Ridge and a glimpse of highway 97 in the valley below. West is the beautiful Teanaway Valley and beyond the central Cascade Mountains. Hibox are Lemah Mountain are the most distant visible peaks most of the time. Then to the north--the Mount Stuart Range--a great view.

There is a rock hunting area another half mile beyond the lookout or accessible by an alternate trail from the parking area.

Vault toilets at the parking lot. Wear sturdy shoes--the trail has a lot of loose rock. It is often much colder and windier at the lookout than at the parking lot.

Directions by Google maps stop a couple miles short of the parking lot. Just keep going on the most traveled gravel road and watch...

It was ok disappointed when I reached the top and long hike to agate bed ..it sucked granted if it was just to hike then the hike pass the parking lot is awesome but that's it. Found a few beautiful rocks...the Rd going up really sucks tore...

Gorgeous views! Easy hike in terms of length but a bit hard in elevation. However, well worth it once you get to the top. It’s a popular location so plan to get there in the morning when less people are there because it’s...