Activities » Hiking » SW Paradise Area » High Rock Lookout

High Rock Lookout

Distance: 3.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
High Point: 5,658 ft
 
Geographic Coordinates:
 
Snow Free: late June
 
Other Nearby Hikes
Directions: Follow Highway 706 east from Ashford 2.3 Miles to its junction with Kernahan road (Forest Rd 52) Turn right and follow Kernahan road across the Nisqually River, ( road turns into Skate Creek Road) Turn right on Forest Road 84 and follow it for 6.8 miles to its junction with Forest Rd 8440. Turn right on FR 8440 and follow it 2.6 miles to Towhead Gap and the trailhead. Elevation 4300 ft

This trail can be accessed from the Packwood area from Skate Creek Road to FR 47 (5 miles), turn left on FR 47 and travel west to FR 84 (8 miles). Turn on FR 84 (stay right) to FR 8440 another 8 miles. Turn left on FR 8440 to High Rock Trailhead. (3 miles) Use high clearance vehicles.

This an easy to moderate hike to a fire lookout attracts a crowd on a clear weekend. The view of Mt. Rainier is spectacular, and you can see Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Hood if the visibility is high.

One of the best views of Rainier. Great hikes with kids, be careful the last 100 yds, (steep rock outcropping) hold hands, and enjoy the view.