About
Length (round trip)11 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyHard
Elevation gain2,000 ft up
Typical time1 hr 45 min
TrailheadWestside Road (walk or cycle the closed section)
SurfaceClosed road then forest trail
Best seasonWestside Road to the Dry Creek Trailhead is open to vehicles during the summer season only, typically May-November. During the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers can still use the closed r...
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe hike along the closed portion of Westside Road up to Round Pass is a gradual incline, gaining 1,100 feet in 3.8 miles, along a wide, dirt road. From Round Pass, the hike to Lake George gains 390 feet in 0.8 miles, along a narrow, dirt trail with occasional rocks, roots, and boardwalk sections. The hike to Gobblers Knob Lookout from Lake George is similar terrain but much steeper, gaining approximately 1,095 feet in 1.0 mile.
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake🚲 Bikes

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

Tips
The Westside Road is closed to cars three miles in, so most people cycle that section and walk from there. Lake George on the way makes a good camp.
Location

Westside Road (walk or cycle the closed section)

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.