Saddle Mountain Lookout Trail

The trail ascends Saddle Mountain to a rock pinnacle above the treeline, chosen in the 1930s as a Forest Service fire lookout for its panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. When starting from the lower parking TH, the trail winds through moist, mature cedar/hemlock forests, typical of a rare interior rain forest with high rainfall located on the uplift side of the Rocky Mountains. Under the tall trees’ dense canopy, shade-loving plants flourish: mosses, devil’s club, thimbleberry, lady fern, foamflower, and ginger.

This lower section also shows the results of logging after a major windstorm and blowdown in 2018 and is not currently maintained. Hikers may prefer starting from the upper parking lot and joining the trail above the blow down area. Distance, time and elevations are given from the Upper Parking Lot.

On approaching the old helicopter landing pad (GPS Point 1 on the map), more spruce and balsam trees indicate a transition to the subalpine zone (GPS Point 2). The underbrush also changes, with an abundance of wild rhododendron and huckleberry. The trail climbs to large rock bluffs (GPS Point 3) from which views of the valley far below and the destination Lookout high above are seen. From here, trees become smaller and more sparse until they cease growing completely below the Lookout. 

Just over half-way to the top, there is an old cabin (GPS Point 4). From there, the final ascent criss-crosses the open meadows below the pinnacle. Patches of stunted trees grow here and there; evidence of marmot, deer, grizzly and black bear abounds in the burrows, tree rubs, and digs in the ground. Near the bae of the pinnacle, the trail turns along the south east side of the mountain below the pinnacle where it crosses a field of large boulders, requiring some way finding and care, especially when still covered in early season snow.

From the south-west base of the pinnacle, an exposed path climbs steeply up and over the outcrop to the Lookout at the summit. Technical climbing skill is not required but hikers with a fear of heights may be uncomfortable despite good footing and handholds. The Monashee Mountains stretch out on the west side of Arrow Lake and the Selkirks on the east. Mosquito Lake is nestled in the hills to the northwest, while Whatshan Lake peaks from its valley to the southwest. Check out the features of the Lookout, including the names of past fire lookout scouts carved into the stone, dating back to the 1930’s (see if you can find the backwards N). Enjoy the vista and feel the history before beginning your descent. 

Alpine flowers are usually in bloom in July!

From Nakusp, travel southwest on Highway 6 toward Burton for 21 kms. Take the Arrow Park cable ferry across the lake, making note of return crossing times. Turn right and follow the good 2wd Saddle Mountain Road for 9 km. Turn left onto Lookout Road, marked with a brown, wooden signpost, and follow the rough road (high clearance vehicle recommended) for 8 km to the Branch 75 fork (GPS P???). Park to the side, as the road is well used. The lower trailhead is 20m further up the road. The upper trailhead and parking lot is  2.2 km further up the logging road.

Saddle Mountain Lookout is an alpine hiking trail suitable for summer travel when the snowpack is diminished. Although adventurers have trekked up with snow touring gear, this requires extensive knowledge of back country travel.

Beginning in 1923, fire scouts periodically manned Saddle Mtn. Lookout tower, keeping a lonely summer watch for forest fires. Once satellites usurped the task, the Forest Service established hiking trails to some historic Lookouts. The Nakusp & Area Trails Society restored the lookout building in 2017, installing sleeping platforms, peak and geographical identification and historical signage.  Duplicate signage can be viewed at the Nakusp Marina, which also affords a clear view of Saddle Mountain.

WARNING: Grizzlies have been encountered on the Saddle Mountain Lookout Trail during the first week of August  They did not appear to be aggressive  However, you should take normal precautions, hiking in groups when possible and making noise to alert wildlife  Carry and know how to safely use bear spray  if a bear is spotted on the trail ahead, back away slowly and retreat  Avoid hiking with dogs in bear country, or keep on a leash at all times.

The Saddle Mountain Lookout access road and trail from the Upper ParkIng Lot to the Summit is clear of falls except for one new fall near the sub-alpine. It can be easily stepped over.  The lookout is in good condition. Please keep it clean with the door securely shut when you leave. Use the outhouse sparingly. The trail from the Lower Parking lot has not been cleared and is full of large and small falls from there to the intersection with the Upper Parking Lot Spur  Hikers are strongly encouraged to start from the Upper Parking Lot to avoid 50 or so falls on this lower section

The Parking Lot and Summit outhouses have not been cleaned or stocked this season but should be by the end of July. The Lookout also has not been inspected

The Saddle Mountain Lookout has become a popular destination for overnight campers and is first come first served. Please respect the priority of those who may have arrived before you. Please fill out a trail condition report (found on the Resources tab of this website) to update us on any falls to be cleared or repairs required.

Summer alpine ascents include Kuskanax Mountain Trail, Idaho Peak Lookout, near Sandon. Lower elevation day hikes include the Nakusp Hot Springs Trail and Kimbol Lake Trail.