A thick layer of snow covers Windy Joe Lookout cabin
Windy Joe Lookout Cabin crowned with springtime snow

Windy Joe Lookout Ski Tour via Similkameen River Trail—Windy Joe Trail (North Skagit Mountains, BC)

Trip Date: March 18, 2012

WSTC SPRING SKI OUTING:  MANNING PARK RESORT

Windy Joe Lookout Ski Tour

Similkameen River
Windy Joe Lookout

Trip Report Summary

Region: Canadian Cascades (British Columbia)

Sub-Region: North Skagit Mountains

Area: Manning Provincial Park

Starting & Ending Point: Muddy Beaver Trailhead at Manning Park Resort (Elev. 3900 feet)

Way Points: Similkameen River Vehicle Bridge & Little Muddy Creek crossing & Similkameen River Trail / Windy Joe Trail junction & Frosty Mountain Trail / Windy Joe Trail junction & Windy Joe Lookout (ski tour)

High Point: Windy Joe Lookout (Elev. 5989 feet)

Approximate Stats: 10.8 miles traveled; 2300 feet gained & lost; 3.7 hours up; 1.5 hours down.

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Full Trip Report

While spending an extended weekend at Manning Park Resort with Lynn Tucker and the Washington Ski Touring Club, Eileen and I did a backcountry ski tour up to Windy Joe Lookout. This is a very popular year-round destination for all manner of hikers, skiers, and snowshoers in Manning Provincial Park. The fire lookout and associated mountain are named for Joe Hilton, a long-time park employee and trail builder.

Windy Joe Trail Sign

We started at the “Muddy Beaver” Trailhead within the resort and followed a groomed ski trail down to the Similkameen River and then upstream ½ mile to a vehicle bridge on Gibson Pass Road. We crossed the river and skied back down the other side for 1¼ miles until encountering an obvious junction. At this point, the Similkameen River Trail goes downhill to the left and the Windy Joe / Frosty Mountain / Pacific Crest Trail goes uphill to the right.

Snowbound Little Muddy Creek

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Similkameen River From Trail To Windy Joe Lookout

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We took the right fork and skinned up the well-traveled trail for 2 miles more. Upon reaching a second junction, where the Frosty Mountain / Pacific Crest Trail continues straight ahead, we turned left on the Windy Joe Trail. After another 1½ miles, we arrived at the lookout cabin (3.7 hours + 5.4 miles + 2200 feet from TH). This has been a big year for snow in the Cascades, and the lookout cabin’s roof was bearing an astonishing amount of snow!

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Windy Joe Lookout Cabin With Heavy Snow Load

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It was a wonderfully sunny day, so we didn’t bother trying to gain entrance to the cabin. Eating lunch outside gave us an opportunity to enjoy the view, which was dominated by Castle Peak and Mt. Winthrop to the south.

Mt Winthrop From Windy Joe Lookout

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Castle Peak From Windy Joe Lookout

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Our descent route followed the same trails back to Manning Park Resort. We were initially a bit apprehensive about skiing down the deep, narrow trough that had been beaten into the snow, but the powder snow alongside the trough was so thick and fluffy, we had no problem controlling our speed. The entire descent was pure delight, and we were back at the trailhead by mid-afternoon (1.5 hours + 5.4 miles + 100 feet from lookout).

Route Map & Profile

Windy Joe Lookout Route Map

Windy Joe Lookout Route Profile

Click to enlarge…