Thorp Lake & Lookout

getting there

From Exit 80 off of I-90, head north on SR 903 (Salmon la Sac Road) for about 15 miles, passing through Roslyn and past Cle Elum Lake. Just past the upper end of the lake, turn left onto Forest Road 4308 (French Cabin Road). Drive 3.25 miles to Forest Road 4312 on the right. Turn right and drive 1.5 miles to another road junction, with Forest Road 4312-121. This road is typically gated, so park here (3,500 ft)—please don't block the gate. 

• There is some washboard on French Cabin Road and some large potholes on Forest Road 4312.  This is no trouble for regular cars, just pay attention and don't go too fast.

on the trail

Thorp Lake (4,800 ft)

From the gate, head toward a bridge over Thorp Creek.  Turn left after the creek, following the closed road another quarter mile to find the Thorp Creek trailhead on the left.  The trail is a steady grade through areas popular with wildlife and local deer populations are regular visitors.  At almost 3 miles, take the 0.2 mile side trail down to the lake. After enjoying some time at the lake, head back to the trail head or continue on to Thorp Mountain Lookout.  To the lake and back is an easy to moderate 6 miles and 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

Thorp Mountain Lookout (5,854 ft)

 From the side trail to Thorp Lake hike 0.4 mile to the junction with the Thorp Mountain Trail, turn left (southwest) and hike another 0.4 mile. Turn right (north) and continue on up to the summit of Thorp Mountain and the rustic gable-roofed Thorp Mountain Lookout, built in 1931.

Round Trip Return: Hike back the way you came for a 7.2 mile round trip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain.

Loop Return: Instead of turning right and back down Thorp Creek, continue north on the Thorp Mountain Trail for 1.2 miles to the Red Mountain Trail. Turn right and hike almost 3 miles to Little Joe Lake.  Turn right and head back to the Thorp Creek trailhead. The loop makes this trip 10 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate, Moderate
• Length: 10.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft
• High Point: 5,854 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  Cle Elum Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12