Tyee Lookout
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
The Tyee Lookout sits at an elevation of 6,654 feet in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Built in the 1950’s, the lookout was used by Forest Service personnel until the 1990’s. A stay at Tyee is not for the faint of heart, this is a rough place. Starting with the access road, the lookout is accessible by four-wheel drive truck from mid-June to mid-October. The last 3.6 miles of the road are narrow, steep, sandy and very rocky; including two rock ledges, good tires are a must. Once at the lookout the ground is also rocky and uneven, just walking around can present challenges to those not fleet on their feet. Two sides of the lookout drop off very steep to the valley below, a fall would be bad, keep kids away from the edge and do not let them play on railing. Sitting at the top of the mountain, the wind blows frequently, and can be much cooler than the valleys. The lookout is an old structure, although remodeled dirt and dust still blow in. As an alternative to driving, the lookout is accessible by walking the last 4 miles up the road. Recent upgrades to the building will make your stay comfortable, but are still primitive, guests should be prepared with their own supplies.
The 16x16 cabin sleeps four and is equipped with four single foam mattresses, two on regular frames and two on trundle style frames. A bench, broom and dust pan are provided. A portable toilet is located 30 yards from the lookout behind a privacy screen. This is for poop not pee, please be prepared to pee away from the lookout behind a tree. The lookout has LED strip lights that provide a lot of light. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. As well as cookware, dishes, bedding, flashlight, first aid supplies, trash bags and maybe a game or two.
Need to Know
Access to the lookout requires a four-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle. Not a grocery getter, the road is very rough and has two ledges to negotiate. Good tires are a must for any rig driving the 5713 road.
Entry to the cabin is by a combination lock. The combination to the padlock is provided in the reservation confirmation letter and in your recreation.gov account.
The lookout is managed under a GT permit by the non-profit TREAD. TREAD can also be reached at 509-888-0336. If you would like to post a trip report, please use TREAD Map which can be found in the Apple or Google Play stores.
Tyee Lookout has a minimum 2-night stay due to the remoteness and road condition.
There is no water at the lookout, you must carry your own water.
Tyee is on a mountain peak; be prepared for wind and colder temperatures than the valley
Although not high off the ground, the lookout is near cliffs, a fall from the lookout could kill you. If you are bringing children please use care at all times, especially when windy.
There is no tent, trailer of RV camping at the site, nor does the road allow for most campers.
This is a pack-it-out facility, guests must pass out all trash and clean the cabin before departure by wiping down all surfaces (wipes provided) and sweeping the floor. Guests are welcome to use the dumpster at the Entiat Ranger District for their garbage.
Guests must close all windows and doors and lock the lookout upon departure.
No smoking in or around the lookout.
No campfires.
No pets or any animals are allowed in the facility.
Please dispose of all dishwater and other waste liquid at least 75 feet from the lookout.
The portable toilet is for poop! Please limit the amount of urine – use a tree far from the lookout. This will help keep costs down. Do not pee next to the building, it will stink by summer's end. Let us know if it is getting full.
Learn more about the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/okawen/
Please make sure to contact TREAD if there are any issues with the lookout.
Natural Features
Views from the lookout include Stormy Mountain, numerous peaks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and east to the Waterville Plateau. The rocky outcrop is home to whitebark pine, a species on decline, please respect and admire this tree.
Nearby Attractions
Billy Ridge and Tyee Ridge trails are adjacent to the lookout.
Recreation
Nearby roads, the Tyee Ridge trail and Billy Ridge trail offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and dirt biking. Although you may still see the light of a faraway house from the top, the star gazing is still very good.
Contact Information
Mailing
PO Box 467 Entiat WA 98822
Physical
Entiat Ranger District 2108 Entiat WAy Entiat WA 98822
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 509-784-4700
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From the junction of Entiat River Road and 97A, driver 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. Road is now single lane paved road, parts of which are steep as it gains elevation to the ridge. Drive 13.9 miles to the junction of 5700 and 5713. There is not a sign currently so keep an eye on your odometer. Turn right on the 5713. If you do not have a high clearance vehicle stop and park at the 0.6 mile mark, there is a large parking area and pine tree. The final 3.6 miles to the lookout are on a very rough, rocky road requiring good tires and a high clearance vehicle.
