Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail

 

Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail

To Lake George

• Distance, round trip: 9.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,490 feet (approx. 1,100 feet to Round Pass; 390 ft to Lake George from Round Pass)
• Hiking time, round trip: 5 hours
• Wilderness camps: Lake George

To Gobblers Knob

• Distance, round trip: 11.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 2,585 feet (approx. 1,100 feet to Round Pass; 1,485 ft to Gobblers Knob from Round Pass)
• Hiking time, round trip: 6-7 hours
• Wilderness camps: Lake George

Trailhead Location

Take 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 the Westside Road: Dry Creek Trailhead. Westside Road is closed to vehicles past this point, but open to hiking and bicycling. Pets are not allowed on Westside Road. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area past Dry Creek with caution and avoid lingering in the rock fall hazard zone. Visitors are also advised that Westside Road is an active geohazard zone.

Trail Description

Lake George is a pristine mountain lake nestled in the northwest shoulder of Mount Wow. The rock outcrop of Gobblers Knob is situated at the north end of Mount Wow, a mountain whose name means "goat".

Hike/bike up the closed portion of the road to Round Pass (3.8 miles). The Lake George/Gobblers Knob Trailhead is on the left side 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. The hike to Gobblers Knob Lookout is an additional 1.0 mile from Lake George and much steeper.

Along the Trail

Enjoy the shoreline of Lake George. The Lake George Patrol Cabin is a historic cabin next to the lake. There are spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Tahoma Glacier from Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout, one of four fire lookouts remaining in the park. 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.

Backpacking

Lake George Camp has the only campsites along the trail. Camping is not permitted on Gobblers Knob. Permits are required for camping. Permits and trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

 

Hiking Safety