Added by Jake Anderson
Old 1929 fire lookout perched on slab of rock with gorgeous, vertigo-inducing views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh range, and Lake Cora (1800' below).
High Rock Lookout is aptly named. Perched at 5,685' on a slab of rock, it has sweeping views of the valleys below, Cora Lake, and Mount Rainier. Although it is only a short 1.6 mile hike to the top, it is a steep one. You gain 1,365' to reach the lookout, but the reward is grand.
The trail follows a ridge line through beautiful old growth forest, and is lined with huckleberry bushes, bear grass, and the less common trilliums. Soon you'll reach a bench, a good place to stop and rest. The trail keeps a steady incline, and finally deposits you onto the rocky ridge. Traverse up the rock towards the right to reach the lookout. Careful - a step off of the cliff would be fatal.
You'll want to stay to take plenty of pictures, to eat lunch, and to hydrate. The views from here are amazing! Cora Lake sits a dizzying 1800' below you, and on a clear day, this is one of the best views of Mount Rainier that you can find. Please be respectful of these pieces of Washington's history, so they can be enjoyed for years to come.
Pack List
- 10 Essentials
- Food
- Water
- Camera
- Extra layers
Please respect the places you find on The Outbound.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don't damage these amazing places for the sake of a photograph. Learn More
Activities:
Hiking, Photography
Skill Level:
Beginner
Season:
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Trail Type:
Out-and-Back
Distance:
3.2 Miles
Elev. Gain:
1365 Feet
Rating:
Features:
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8 months ago
Best Sunset Hike!!
Went on a clear summer day to watch the sunset - easily my favorite hike I've done in Washington. The mountains are endless. Best view on Mt. Rainier, but also Mt. Hood and what I believe is Mt. Saint Helens but not sure. Took about an hour to reach the top. Will 100% go back. But, make sure you have a good car for off roading. The way up had tons of deep pot holes.
10 months ago
Great write up!
Great write up! Killer photos! Love this route <3
11 months ago
Worth the trek to the trailhead
Fantastic hike! BEAUTIFUL views of the mountains. The 9 mile dirt road to the trailhead is full of large pot holes. I only recommend making the trip to the trailhead in a high clearance vehicle.
11 months ago
Best Hike Ever! *use Caution On Road
Wow, spectacular views, and it makes you feel like you're on top of the world. Thanks for the write-up! One thing to add: the road is not well maintained, and even though there are two ways up, both are in equally poor condition. The road is about ten miles long of potholes and washout. Use caution when driving small cars!
Added by Jake Anderson
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