Mount Pilchuck Topo Map in Snohomish County WA
Mount Pilchuck Information
Coordinates: 48.0578807°N, -121.7967924°W
Approx. Elevation: 5,324 feet (1,623 meters)
USGS Map Area: Verlot
Feature Type: Summit
Nearby Summits
| Feature | USGS Topo Map |
|---|---|
| Green Mountain | Meadow Mountain |
| Iron Mountain | Granite Falls |
| Olo Mountain | Meadow Mountain |
| Liberty Mountain | Whitehorse Mountain |
| Sultan Ridge | Wallace Lake |
| Big Bear Mountain | Whitehorse Mountain |
| Meadow Mountain | Meadow Mountain |
| Dahlberg Mountain | Riley Lake |
| Three Fingers | Whitehorse Mountain |
| Bald Mountain | Silverton |
Mount Pilchuck is a peak located in the North Cascades. With an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The mountain holds historical significance, as it was once an important landmark for indigenous tribes like the Snohomish and Sauk-Suiattle. They regarded Mount Pilchuck as a sacred place, and its name is believed to be derived from the indigenous word “pilchuk,” meaning “red water” or “red river,” likely referring to the colorful sunsets observed from the mountain’s summit.
In the early 1900s, the construction of a fire lookout tower on Mount Pilchuck began. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) completed the tower in 1921, and it served as a vital post for fire detection and prevention in the region. The lookout tower, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a reminder of the area’s past and attracts visitors interested in its rich heritage.
Mount Pilchuck fire lookout at sunrise.
Today, Mount Pilchuck is a popular recreational destination, offering a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is the main draw, with the well-known Mount Pilchuck Trail leading visitors through a scenic 2.7-mile (4.3-kilometer) ascent to the summit. Along the trail, hikers traverse lush forests, rocky terrain, and meadows adorned with wildflowers during the warmer months.
Once at the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Cascade Range, including Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Puget Sound. The awe-inspiring vistas make it a perfect spot for photography and picnicking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Mount Pilchuck also attracts winter adventurers with its snow-covered slopes, offering opportunities for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. The glistening white landscapes provide a serene and peaceful environment for those seeking winter escapades.
Mount Pilchuck is listed in the Summits Category for Snohomish County in the state of Washington. Mount Pilchuck is displayed on the "Verlot" USGS topo map. The latitude and longitude coordinates (GPS waypoint) of Mount Pilchuck are 48.0578807 (North), -121.7967924 (West) and the approximate elevation is 5,324 feet (1,623 meters) above sea level. If you are interested in visiting Mount Pilchuck you can print the free topographic map, terrain map, satellite/aerial images, and other maps using the link above. The location, topography, nearby roads and trails, and towns around Mount Pilchuck (Summit) can be seen in the layers of this interactive map. If you have already visited Washington's Mount Pilchuck in Snohomish County, the nearest Summits are listed above for your consideration.