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Mountain Bike and Hike to Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout

Eatonville, Washington

Description

Added by Jake Anderson

Distance: 12.8 miles roundtripElevation gain: 1585 ftAmazing 360 degree view of Mount Rainier, the Olympics, Mount Saint Helens, Mount HoodLess crowded area of the parkChance to see wildlife (mountain goat, elk, marmots, etc.)Several camp sites near Lake George

Enter Mount Rainier National Park via the Nisqually entrance, and take the first left, West Side Road, after the ranger station. Continue for 3 miles and park. The road is closed, here, due to rock fall hazard, so move quickly through this area.

You can bike or hike the 4 miles to Round Pass. The road is easy to follow, and soon the top of Mount Rainier comes briefly into view. Once you reach the sign for Round Pass, look to your left for the trailhead to Lake George and Gobblers Knob Lookout. You can leave your bike here and continue on foot through the old growth forest.

The 0.9 mile to the lake is relatively easy, meandering through thick forest. The lake is a welcome sight, with many several camps in the area and two outhouses. Follow the sign to the fire lookout, and veer to the right. The lookout is only 1.5 miles away, but the trail is steep. Early in the season, the trail is covered with snow, and in those conditions you can put on micro spikes for traction. Soon after you will have your first view of the lookout, perched high above on a rocky outcrop. When you reach a marked junction keep right (left takes you to Goat Lake).

Amazing scenery awaits at the lookout, including a unique view of the west side of Mount Rainier. Nearby are the Tahoma glacier and Sunset Amphitheater, and to the east is the Olympic range. Mount St. Helens towers in the southeast, and on a clear day you can even see Mount Hood.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Mountain Biking
Backpacking
Bathrooms
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Wildlife

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