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Trail #266 High Rock
A map depicting trails in the Sawtooth area within the Cowlitz Valley vicinity. Sites include: Allen Mountain Trail #269, Big Creek Campground, Big Creek Trail #252, Cave Creek Trail #255, Greenwood Lake Trail #253, High Rock Trail #266, Osborne Mountain Trail #250, Silver Creek Trail #258, Teeley Creek Trail #251.
This trail is open to hikers only. Horses, OHV's, and bicycles are prohibited due to steep cliffs and exposures.
High Rock Lookout was removed during the summer of 2021 as part of an ongoing restoration project. In 2022 the tower platform will be repaired and prepared for the lookout that is being restored offsite for return in 2023. The restoration project is a partnership between White Pass Country Historical Society, U.S. Forest Service and Sand Mountain Society.
This 1.6 mile trail begins on Forest Road 8440 and climbs steeply through increasingly sparse conifers to High Rock Lookout, one of three fire lookouts remaining on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The fire lookout was built in 1929 and offers incredible views of the Sawtooth Ridge, Mt. Rainier, and much of the surrounding landscape.
High Rock is a prominent 5,685 feet high peak on Sawtooth Ridge with a sheer 600 foot drop on its north face. Please use caution when exploring this area and stay behind the cables. Occupancy of the lookout building is prohibited due to inadequate lightning protection.
Please do not carve into the structure and make sure to pack out all trash. Vandalism and damage to the platform makes restoration work by volunteers more difficult.
Learn more about this historic lookout: whitepasscountrymuseum.org/high-rock-fire-lookout.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 4/15/24: Forest Road 84 and Forest Road 8440 are not maintained for winter travel. Deep snow will impede travel by vehicle to trailhead. Reports of compact snow and ice on roads. It is strongly advised to not attempt travel by vehicle to trailhead! Expect snow and ice on trail and extremely icy conditions at lookout. Driving | US Forest Service (usda.gov) Winter Weather Driving Tips: Prepare Your Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Tips USDA Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Restrictions: | No motorized use. Occupancy of the lookout building is prohibited due to inadequate lightning protection. |
| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA; Packwood, WA |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Cowlitz Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:High Rock/Greenwood Lake Trailhead
From Packwood, WA take Skate Creek Road for 4.3 miles. Then take a slight left onto Forest Road 47 and follow for another 7.6 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 84 and follow for 7.4 miles. Take a sharp left on Forest Road 8440 and follow 2.6 miles to the parking area.
Trailhead is at the intersection of Forest Road 8440 and the southern end of High Rock Trail #266.