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Lake George & Gobblers Knob, Mount Rainier National Park | September 7-8, 2021

 

Destination

  • Lake George and the Gobblers Knob fire lookout in the far southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park

Difficulty Rating

  • Easy: 3.8 mile road run on a gravel road to .9 mile of uphill but smooth trail to Lake George.
  • Medium: Gobblers Knob fire lookout as a side trip since although it's a short 1.6 miles one-way to the fire lookout, it gains nearly 1200 feet. Footing generally good on this trail too and you can run downhill. 

Noteworthy

  • $26/backcountry permit if booked online in advance during the peak season of June 1-September 30. Walk-up permits might be available at no cost. Outside of the peak season, you can only get a walk-up permit-- no online reservations.
  • The nearest ranger station is at Longmire - it's conveniently located to pick up your permit before you get started.
  • National park pass or fee required to enter the park at the Nisqually entrance.
  • National park-provided campsite on a wooded knoll, outhouse, bear pole to hang up food. About 5 sites available, a lean-to, and a group camping site.

Future Explorations...

  • This was easy and fun. Next time I might start from a different trailhead to run further or connect over to the South Puyallup trail to the Wonderland Trail.
  • Also Lake George is the only option currently available to reach Goat Lake and Lake Christine due to washed out roads on the Ashford side, outside of the national park.

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Lake George & Gobblers Knob

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