Trail #266 High Rock

Area Status: Open

A historic small white wooden structure perched on a large rock outcropping.

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.

Volunteers gather around a small wooden structure.

Title:	Volunteers working at high rock
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A volunteer holds ropes up on a high platform during a structure removal for renovation

Title:	High Rock restoration -Rick McClure prepping cargo nets 070521
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High rock viewpoint with temporary floor covering after temporary removal of structure.

Title:	High Rock Lookout- Don and Rob with temporary floor cover
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Title:	Historic High Rock lookout
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At a Glance

Current Conditions:	7/3/24: No issues reported with trail or road conditions if utilizing Forest Road 84. Trail 8440 toward the 85 junction is in poor condition. High clearance vehicles is always recommended to navigate dirt Forest Roads.
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.