Tyee Lookout
4.4812 reviewsEntiat Ranger District, 2108 Entiat Way, Entiat, WA, 98822
Quick Facts
6,654 ftPrice
$95/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open from June 16th ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
6,654 ftPrice
$95/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open from June 16th ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Tyee Lookout
$95.00 - $95.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for the Tyee Lookout are $95 per night from June 16th to October 15th. These fees may exclude taxes, discounts, or incremental...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider509-860-4267contact@tread-cw.org
What Campers Say
4.48
Recommended
Based on 12 reviews
Most mentioned
viewspeacefulwell-maintained
Some mention
bugsmosquitoes
"User reviews describe the Tyee Lookout as a remote and rugged experience with breathtaking views and tranquility. Common praises include the stunning sunrises and sunsets, starry skies, and unique opportunity to stay in a fire lookout. Challenges noted include the extremely rough access road, lack of modern amenities, and exposure to the elements."
Fees & Passes at Tyee Lookout
$95/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit.
Cancellation: Cancellations made before the scheduled arrival date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than ...
Prices verified November 24, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official TREAD website.
Best Time to Camp at Tyee Lookout
Summer at Tyee Lookout brings a symphony of mountain winds that dance through the whitebark pines, offering natural air conditioning that keeps temperatures refreshingly cooler than the sweltering valleys below. As autumn paints the distant peaks, visitors should pack layers for rapidly changing conditions. Winter transforms this lofty perch into an inaccessible frozen fortress, with snow gates closing the access road and temperatures plummeting to Arctic extremes. Throughout the warmer months, the persistent winds carry whispers of adventure mixed with occasional dust clouds, creating an ever-changing atmospheric theater.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 16th to October 15th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from June 16th to October 15th.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts are reported.
About Tyee Lookout
Perched high above the clouds at 6,654 feet, Tyee Lookout transforms camping into an unforgettable sky-high adventure. This meticulously restored fire lookout tower crowns the rugged peaks of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where visitors wake to breathtaking 360-degree vistas spanning from the jagged spires of Stormy Mountain to the pristine Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the rolling expanse of the Waterville Plateau. Adventure seekers willing to navigate the challenging approach road are rewarded with an authentic backcountry experience, complete with howling mountain winds and the raw beauty of Washington's high country.
The Tyee Lookout offers a single unique camping option: a stay in the historic fire lookout cabin, which is rustic and designed for primitive lodging. RV, tent, and group camping are not supported due to the site layout and access restrictions.
Historical SignificanceStanding as a sentinel since the 1950s, Tyee Lookout embodies the golden age of fire detection when sharp-eyed watchers scanned the horizon for telltale smoke plumes. For four decades, Forest Service personnel called this windswept outpost home during fire season, their binoculars and radio equipment serving as the early warning system for countless communities below. Though technology retired the lookout from active duty in the 1990s, its weathered walls and restored interior preserve the legacy of these mountain guardians, inviting modern visitors to step into their boots and experience the solitary grandeur of fire watch life.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Tyee Lookout brings a symphony of mountain winds that dance through the whitebark pines, offering natural air conditioning that keeps temperatures refreshingly cooler than the sweltering valleys below. As autumn paints the distant peaks, visitors should pack layers for rapidly changing conditions. Winter transforms this lofty perch into an inaccessible frozen fortress, with snow gates closing the access road and temperatures plummeting to Arctic extremes. Throughout the warmer months, the persistent winds carry whispers of adventure mixed with occasional dust clouds, creating an ever-changing atmospheric theater.
ElevationAt 6,654 feet above sea level, Tyee Lookout places you more than a mile high in Washington's azure sky, where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly. This dramatic elevation creates a natural theater where weather systems collide and dance before your eyes, while temperatures can swing dramatically from sun-baked afternoons to jacket-requiring evenings. The persistent mountain winds at this altitude serve as nature's reminder that you've entered the realm where earth meets sky, offering both exhilarating moments and humbling encounters with the raw power of high-elevation environments.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape surrounding Tyee Lookout reads like a geological thriller, with dramatic rocky outcrops jutting skyward and precipitous drop-offs plunging into shadowy valleys. Ancient whitebark pines, twisted and sculpted by decades of mountain winds, cling tenaciously to the rocky soil, their gnarled forms telling stories of survival at the edge of possibility. From this natural observatory, the eye travels across a tapestry of wilderness peaks, alpine meadows, and distant plateaus, while golden eagles and hawks ride the thermals below your feet. The rocky, moon-like terrain immediately surrounding the lookout creates an otherworldly camping experience that feels more like a base camp on another planet.
Geological RegionTyee Lookout crowns a dramatic geological showcase within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient tectonic forces sculpted a landscape of soaring peaks and weathered granite formations. The rugged mountainous terrain bears the scars of millennia of erosion, creating a dramatic backdrop of rocky outcrops and boulder fields that speak to the raw power of geological time. Among these harsh conditions, the remarkable whitebark pine ecosystem persists, though these iconic high-elevation trees face modern challenges. This unique flora, specially adapted to life at the edge of survival, adds a poignant ecological dimension to the stark beauty of this mountain wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe rough access road and rocky, uneven terrain make this site inaccessible for individuals with mobility challenges. The steep drop-offs and lack of developed pathways further contribute to the difficulty of access.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 16x16 feet in size, designed to sleep a maximum of four individuals.
Sites PrivacyThe Tyee Lookout offers seclusion in a highly remote location. However, occasional visitors may arrive during the day to enjoy the views, particularly on weekends.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests are advised to bring bug spray, warm clothing, and telescope for stargazing. Maintaining high-clearance vehicles with good tires is essential.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this location. The site is designed for a maximum of four individuals staying in the lookout cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-site layout featuring a restored fire lookout tower.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 16th to October 15th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) will also forfeit the first night's use fee. No changes or cancellations can be made after the check-in date starts.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at the Tyee Lookout focus on outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural surroundings. Hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, and star gazing are popular options. The adjacent Tyee Ridge and Billy Ridge trails make this an excellent stop for trail enthusiasts. Other visitors have enjoyed birding, hunting, and geocaching. The area offers stunning views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Stormy Mountain, and Waterville Plateau, making it ideal for photography and peaceful relaxation.
Hiking
The Tyee Ridge and Billy Ridge trails are located adjacent to the lookout, offering opportunities for hiking. The trails are accessible from the site, and their proximity is a major highlight for visitors.Biking
The area supports mountain biking and dirt biking activities, with nearby trails providing challenging terrain.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a potential activity, with opportunities to observe local fauna and unique flora such as the declining whitebark pine trees. However, specifics about the types of wildlife commonly observed are not provided.Winter Activities
The site is inaccessible during winter due to snow and difficult road conditions.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No campfires allowed in or around the lookout.
- Quiet hours are No designated quiet hours stated.
Hazards
General hazardsThe final access road is hazardous due to steepness and rocky terrain. The lookout itself is surrounded by steep cliffs, posing fall risks. Strong winds and cold temperatures are frequent.
Active alertsNo active alerts are reported.
Weather at Tyee Lookout
41
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Entiat Ranger Station and the city of Entiat, WA, which has basic services such as medical facilities and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 16th to October 15th.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack-out all trash and dispose of it at the Entiat Ranger District dumpster. No on-site trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features nearby.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the rough access road, lack of stove or heaters, and issues with solar-powered amenities like USB ports and LED lights. Some guests noted abundant ladybugs and mosquitoes during stays.
HostManaged by TREAD; contact available via email at contact@tread-cw.org or phone at 509-860-4267.
Campground Map
Entiat Ranger District, 2108 Entiat Way, Entiat, WA, 98822
Driving directionsFrom the junction of Entiat River Road and 97A, drive 10.1 miles on the Entiat River Road. Turn left on county road 119A and cross the Entiat River. Drive 2.1 miles to the junction of FS road 5700 and FS road 5800; continue straight on FS road 5700. The road becomes a single-lane paved road with steep sections gaining elevation to the ridge. Drive 13.9 miles to the junction of 5700 and 5713; there is no sign, so monitor your odometer. Turn right on the 5713; park at the 0.6-mile mark if you lack a high-clearance vehicle. The final 3.6 miles to the lookout require a high-clearance vehicle and good tires.
The access road is described as narrow, steep, sandy, and rocky, especially the last 3.6 miles requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Seasonal access is restricted to mid-June through mid-October.Nearby places
Entiat (approximately 17 miles, about a 35-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Entiat, WA, including groceries, fuel, and basic camping necessities.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
12 reviews
Tyee Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the Tyee Lookout as a remote and rugged experience with breathtaking views and tranquility. Common praises include the stunning sunrises and sunsets, starry skies, and unique opportunity to stay in a fire lookout. Challenges noted include the extremely rough access road, lack of modern amenities, and exposure to the elements.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the peaceful surroundings, well-maintained cabin, breathtaking views, and the unique experience of staying in a fire lookout tower. Visitors also praise the stargazing,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on the rough access road, which some described as highly challenging and requiring an all-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance. Some guests also noted issues with insects,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing a high-clearance all-wheel-drive vehicle for the access road, warm clothing for colder weather, bug spray due to mosquitoes and ladybugs, and a flashlight or alternative...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During the summer, visitors appreciate the clear roads, breathtaking views, and starry nights. In colder seasons, challenges such as wind, low temperatures, and the lack of heating are more...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The Lookout stay was amazing. So quiet, and so many stars." (ALEXEI E.) "The sunsets, stargazing, and sunrises were stunning!" (KELLIE R.) "The road is not for first-timers... Bring your AWD vehicle...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Several users describe the Tyee Lookout as well-maintained and clean, with some noting the guest book and cleaning supplies provided as nice touches. Certain visitors mentioned specific issues, such...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The rough access road and uneven terrain make this site difficult for individuals with mobility impairments. The steep drop-offs and rocky environment further add to accessibility challenges.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at the Tyee Lookout, and there are no reviews mentioning pets or pet-related experiences.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 24, 2025
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