Overview
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.
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.
Facilities
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
Cook stove and propane
Cookware and dishes
Bedding
Flashlight, first aid supplies, trash bags and maybe a game or two.
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.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area