Red Top Lookout, built in 1952, restored in 1997, and still operational today, provides a fine bang for your hiking buck. A short, steep trail leads to the functioning fire lookout as well as magnificent 360 degree views of the Stuart Range, Teanaway Ridge, Chelan and Entiat Mountains, Mount Rainier, and even Mount Adams on a clear day. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cle Elum Ranger District
Red Top Mountain is best known for two features, an easy to access fire lookout and the Agate Beds. For the lookout, the short and easy hike gets many casual visitors out of their cars and onto the trail to explore the summit structure. It has been restored and is often used during fire season. On good days, you can see Mount Rainier, the Stuart Range and the Teanaway and Cle Elum valleys. For rockhounders, about a mile north on a trail is the minefield, the location where people dig for agates and thunder eggs. The ridge there is covered with holes of all sizes from people digging for treasure.
There are several ways to get to the trailhead. The easiest is from I-90, take exit 85 and go north on Hwy 97 north for 18 miles. Just past the Mineral Springs Campground, go left on FR 9738. In 2.6 miles, go left on FR 9702. Drive 4.5 miles to the trailhead at the picnic area, elevation 5000 feet.
There are several ways to get to the trailhead. The easiest is from I-90, take exit 85 and go north on Hwy 97 north for 18 miles. Just past the Mineral Springs Campground, go left on FR 9738. In 2.6 miles, go left on FR 9702. Drive 4.5 miles to the trailhead at the picnic area, elevation 5000 feet.