Hike to Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout

Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout, one of four historic fire lookouts in the park, sits on a rocky outcrop and offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area. To access the trailhead, take the Westside Road to the gate at Dry Creek (approximately 3 miles from the start of the road). Due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at Dry Creek. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the rock fall hazard zone. Visitors are also advised that Westside Road is an active geohazard zone. Hike or bike up the closed portion of the road to Round Pass (3.8 miles). The Lake George/Gobblers Knob trailhead is on the left of the road by the wide parking area at Round Pass. A bike rack is next to the trailhead. Bikes are not allowed on any trails. The hike to Lake George is easy with a gradual incline over 0.8 miles. Lake George has a historic patrol cabin and backcountry campsites. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. The hike to Gobblers Knob Lookout is an additional 1.0 mile from Lake George and much steeper. Once you reach the lookout, enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the Tahoma Glacier from Gobblers Knob. On a clear day the peaks of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Olympic Mountains are visible. The fire lookout has been in use since the 1930s. Trail Statistics Distance: 11.2 miles roundtrip Elevation gain: 2,585 feet Hiking time: 6-7 hours Difficulty Level: Strenuous Wilderness Camp: Lake George Rules & Regulations Pets are not allowed on trails or on Westside Road past Dry Creek No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay) No bicycles on trails Pack out trash Do not feed or disturb wildlife Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet