High Rock Lookout

Mount Rainier as seen from High Rock lookout

Wow! What a view! After 1.6 miles with a 1635 ft elevation gain, we had finally reached the top. The scene before us was amazing!

We have a goal of going to each of the 7 fire lookout towers around Mount Rainier. We’d already been to Suntop Look Out, and Gobblers Knob, and decided to give High Rock Lookout a try.  

The view at the top was AMAZING! And it is appropriately named as you are walking around high up on a rock formation. The rock was grippy though, so I didn’t feel insecure moving about while we were up there.

We explored the rocks, checking out the various viewpoints of Mount Rainier and the surrounding hills. It was just breathtaking!

The lookout was pretty old, but you could go inside and sign the registry to prove you’d been there. I read that the tower is in the process of being replaced. I’ll be excited to see the new one when the trail is open again.

The High Rock Lookout trailhead is on Forest Road 84 / 8440 off of Skate Creek Road near Ashford, Washington. It opens in the spring when the snow melts and closes again in the fall when the snow returns. The 9 miles of dirt roads were in pretty good shape and didn’t require any extra ground clearance.

This hike isn’t long – 3.2 round trip - but goes relentlessly uphill. The plan was to just take our time and keep at it until we reached the top.

This isn’t a hike that I would take kids on. The drop offs at the top are HUGE and there are no rails or barriers at the edge. Going near the edge isn’t required of course, but if you have a serious fear of heights you may not enjoy the wonderful view at the top so much.

The hike was a bit of an effort but definitely worth it!

Note: Repair of the lookout tower has meant this trail is sometimes closed. Before you go be sure to check here for current conditions.

On to the next Adventure!