- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
High Rock Lookout Hiker’s Guide
TRAIL CLOSURE: CONSTRUCTION TO REBUILD THE FIRE LOOKOUT BEGINS JULY 7TH. NO ACCESS TO THE TRAIL WILL BE ALLOWED DURING THE REBUILD FROM JULY 7TH – SEPT. 15TH.
Perched above the stunning landscape of Mount Rainier National Park, High Rock Lookout stands out as a destination hike for all those looking for panoramic views in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. This short hike does not fall short on elevation gain or beauty. While it takes a push to get to the top, this hike should be on everyone’s list who is hiking near Ashford, Washington and Mount Rainier National Park.
This blog post covers the following topics: How to access High Rock Lookout, the History of High Rock Lookout, Hiking the Trail, and of course if High Rock should be a “100 Classic Hike of Washington”.
Let’s get into it!
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Hiking the Iconic High Rock Fire Lookout
High Rock is located on the ancestral lands of theCayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Nisqually tribes. We are grateful for the stewards of this land past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
After your hike, head back to the small town of Ashford and enjoy a cider and flatbread at Millhaus Cider Co.!
Accessing High Rock Lookout
High Rock Lookout is located just outside of Mount Rainier National Park in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest which is great for anyone looking to bring their pup on the hike!
Trail Stats
Region: Mount Rainier
Distance: 3.2 miles
Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
Time: 2 hours +
When to Go: July – Oct
Pass/Permit?: None
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Getting to the trail
Just two miles short of the entrance to Mount Rainier turn off of the main road onto Kernahan Road E/NF-52. After 1.5 miles, the road turns into Skate Creek Road which you will follow for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 84, keeping to the right until you get to the High Rock Lookout Trail head aka Towhead Gap.
The drive to the trailhead is a collection of forest service roads. While a manageable drive in any car, be mindful that this is a gravel road with a couple of potholes to maneuver around. It is overall a smooth dirt road and easy to navigate for a forest service road.
A high-clearance vehicle is not needed when driving in from FR-84.
Trailhead Facilities
There are no facilities available at the High Rock parking lot.
Season to Visit
The best season to visit is the summer.
On a clear day, the views from High Rock Fire Lookout include Mt. Rainier, Mount. St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mt. Hood and Glacier Peak.
Due to the high elevation, the forest service road leading to the high rock parking lot receives plenty of snow. However, it is not plowed in the winter making it dangerous and inaccessible in winter months.
Snow lasts well into June and can often fall on the fire lookout in early October.
In the summer, High Rock Lookout is an excellent sunrise hike(or sunset), because it is a relatively short trail. Bring a headlamp for a safe hike in the dark!
Passes / Permits
No permits are required for this trail.
NOTE: Due to its close proximity to the Paradise Entrance to Mount Rainier, this trail has gotten extremely busy with the implementation of timed-entry passes to the park.
Hiking to the High Rock Lookout
While the hike to High Rock Lookout promises exhilarating adventure, you’ll need to lace up your hiking boots, adjust your backpack, and prepare to embark on the memorable experience with unforgettable views of Mount Rainier.
The trail begins with a gradual ascent, gradually gaining elevation with each step. Within the first couple of minutes I came across sights of the first bear grass of the season. Continuing along the path, the terrain surrounding the trail slowly recedes until you’re hiking along a ridge.
Check Out this Mount Rainier Classic Hike: Naches Peak Loop
As you approach the midway point, the trail becomes steeper. Luckily, there are a number of benches along the way to sit and catch your breath. The halfway point offers the first glimpse of Mount Rainier! You’ll see it peaking through between the trees just before the trail opens up offering full views. Take your time and embrace the physical exertion knowing that the pay off is just ahead!
As the final stretch unfolds, the forest gives way to rocky terrain. You’ve reached High Rock, but you have not yet climbed High Rock. The last push requires scaling the rock face to the lookout tower. Suddenly you’re hit with the full view of magnificent Mount Rainier. The 360-degree views offer panoramic views of the surrounding Cascades, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. It is truly awe-inspiring.
Take a break on High Rock Tower which for the time being is now just a platform. Have a snack, relax, and prepare to make your descent.
History of High Rock Watchtower
Fire lookout towers gained prominence in the United States during the early 1900s as a response to the increasing threat of wildfires in forested areas. These lookout towers served as crucial vantage points for fire detection and prevention.
High Rock Lookout was identified as a stretegic fire monitoring spot and in 1929 an observer was posted there. From 1930-1931, the official lookout platform was built by the United States Forest Service as a part of a network of fire detection systems in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Its strategic location atop High Rock provided an optimal view of the surrounding landscape, allowing fire watchers to spot smoke or flames in the distance.
You can find more history on the lookout on the website for the White Pass Country Museum (Packwood).
Hike to Another Classic Lookout: Mount Pilchuck
As technology progressed and aerial surveillance became more prevalent, the need for manned fire towers diminished. Many lookout towers, including High Rock Lookout, were eventually decommissioned and replaced by automated systems and aerial monitoring.
Should High Rock be a Classic Hike of WA?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, Should High Rock be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
High Rock should absolutely be a “100 Classic Hike of Washington”. The views from the watchtower were inspiring and are usually only captured inside of Mount Rainier National Park. Watch tower hikes hold a special place in my heart because it’s so amazing to think about the history and the vital role that these towers played in protecting our natural areas.
Let me know in the comments if you think High Rock should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
If you’d like to complete your own 100 Classic Hikes journey, you can purchase the book here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the High Rock Lookout Trail.
What is High Rock Lookout?
High Rock Lookout is a trail just outside of Mount Rainier with on of the best views of the surrounding mountains you can get outside of the National Park.
This short and steep trail is a great spot for those looking for epic views without having to spend the entire day on the trail.
While the fire lookout it currently out of commission, it was once played a pivotal roll in maintaining and protecting our forests. Now it is listed in the National Historic Lookout Register for the roll this lookout played in forest maintenance over the years.
Why is High Rock Lookout a Great Hike?
High Rock Lookout is a great hike because on hot days there is nice shade for a majority of the trail until you get to the large rock slab where the lookout is located. And if the amazing views of the tallest mountain in Washington State aren’t enough, there are four other prominent mountains surrounding the lookout to view.
Is High Rock Lookout worth it?
Yes! High Rock Lookout is worth it! While the trail is steep along sheer cliffs, there are wooden benches along the trail if you need to take a break along the trail!
I will say that this trail is really only worth it on a sunny day when you’ll get the best view of the mountains.
Is High Rock Fire Lookout Dog Friendly?
Yes, High Rock is a dog friendly trail! Even though it is a short trail, it can still get dangerously hot for dogs in the summer so bring plenty of water for yourself and your pup.
Don’t forget to pick up after your dog!
Can you spend the night at High Rock Fire Lookout?
No, unfortunately the fire lookout does not allow overnight stays. However, there are other fire lookouts in Washington that do allow overnight stays, such as Mount Pilchuck and Park Butte.
If you have any other questions about the trail, drop them in the comments so I can help ya out!
Pack It Up
High Rock Lookout is an amazing trail that follows the ridge line of the Sawtooth Ridge. With sheer drop offs and a steep climb this hike gets your heart pounding in more ways than one.
As with all trails, check trail, weather, and road conditions prior to starting your trek! For the most up to date trail conditions, my favorite resource is the Washington Trails Association and for Road Conditions, I check with the forest service.
If it is your first time completing this trail, download offline maps of the road and the trail.
I hope you enjoy this hike as much as I have.
If you have any questions, drop them in the comments!
Happy hiking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
One Response
Note: High Rock Lookout was built over two years, 1930-1931. An observer was posted there in 1929, but there was no lookout structure in ‘29. Also, the lookout was built as an L-4 model ground house on a platform, but never had a tower. You can find more history on the lookout on the website for the White Pass Country Museum (Packwood). We will be up there this summer to reconstruct the lookout cabin. See the last issue of the East County Journal for more information about the project. Trail will be closed starting July 7th.