High Rock Lookout Photo Gallery

By Samantha Panzera | October 26, 2020 |

High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.

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High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2-mile round trip hike with 1365 feet of elevation gain to a Fire Tower that was built all the way back in 1929. Sitting at an elevation of 5,685 feet this old fire tower has breathtaking panoramic 360-degree views. From the top, you can see the Tatoosh mountain range, Sawtooth Ridge, the Goat Rocks, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood to the south in the far distance, and sitting directly behind the fire tower is an up-close postcard-worthy view of Mount Rainier. If you are not prone to vertigo you can look down from the lookout and see Lake Cora sitting a staggering 1800 feet in the valley below, with views of the Nisqually River.

Sitting at an elevation of 5,685 feet, this old fire tower has breathtaking panoramic 360-degree views. From the top, you can see the Tatoosh mountain range, Sawtooth Ridge, the Goat Rocks, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood to the south in the far distance, and sitting directly behind the fire tower is an up-close postcard-worthy view of Mount Rainier.

High Rock Lookout was built in 1929 and is one of the last three Fire towers remaining in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This historic fire tower is no longer staffed by the forest services but the tower is often left open for day-use visitors. On the inside of the Fire tower, there is a logbook that hikers can sign. You can see notes, and names of visitors from all around the world scribbled on the sign-in pages.

High Rock Lookout – Hiking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest The trail is mostly forested with some gaps through the trees where at times you can see Mt. Rainier directly in front of you poking through the tree canopy. At the 1.3 mile mark, you get your first real good clear opening through the trees. At this rocky viewpoint, you can see the sprawling vista of the valley below and an up-close view of Mt. Adams.

Want to Learn about Hiking to Highrock Lookout? Click Here for everything you need to know!

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