Get Outside

Heybrook Lookout: Kicking off Hiking Season

This week our affirmation was, "excuse the excuses!" It is so easy to list a million reasons why we can't accomplish a task, but most of the time we all feel better when we just do it. This week one of my Flywheel instructors said, you can either choose progress or excuses and that really resonated with me. Christy and I decided to really take this to heart and squeezed in a hike. We had a million reasons why we didn't need to hike, including not wanting to set another early alarm, Cinco de Mayo or Derby activities, and other workout engagements. But we are SO SO SOOOO HAPPY that we chose to conquer a summit.

This week our affirmation  was, "excuse the excuses!"  It is so easy to list a million reasons why we can't accomplish a task, but most of the time we all feel better when we just do it.  This week one of my Flywheel instructors said, you can either choose progress or excuses and that really resonated with me.  Christy and I decided to really take this to heart and squeezed in a hike this past Saturday.  We had a million reasons why we didn't need to hike, including not wanting to set another early alarm, Cinco de Mayo or Derby activities, and other workout engagements.  But we are SO SO SOOOO HAPPY that we chose to conquer a summit.  


Whether you are new to hiking or just finding your groove for the season, the Heybrook Lookout Trail is a perfect climb.  Even better, it's a dog friendly trail!  The trailhead is about an hour outside of Seattle off Highway 2 (so the drive itself is a stunner by Index, WA).  The trail is just under 3 miles round trip and under 900 ft of elevation gain.  We would describe it as an easy-moderate hike due to the distance and moderate elevation gain.  The trail is well groomed and there is no snow.  You definitely can get breathless on the way up if you are hiking a fast clip, but there is good tree cover which will be perfect as the weather gets warmer.  Just before the lookout, you get to see stunning views of the mountains but just turn the corner and you will see a 6-story lookout tower with EPIC VIEWS.  

Panoramic views from the top

We met at the trail around 9 AM.   Started hiking by about 9:15 AM, enjoyed the views and of course a lil photoshoot at the tower.  We made it back down by 10:30 AM and were in Seattle by 11:30 with plenty of time to celebrate with friends!  It's possible you guys, it really is.  

Fun fact: you can rent out the lookout for a fun overnight experience  :) Also, there are no facilities at the trailhead so make sure you stop at the cutest espresso stand (Index Espresso Chalet) with the cleanest port-a-potties about a quarter mile, on your passenger side, before the trail.   The espresso stand also has picnic tables in the back with spectacular mountain views.