Gobblers Knob - 11.6 Miles Round-Trip

The trail to Gobbler's Knob (5,475') leads visitors through a beautiful mixed conifer forest  - past the crystal clear waters of Lake George and up to one of four working Lookout Towers in Mount Rainier National Park.

With easy trailhead access and a well maintained path throughout, the moderately strenuous hike to Gobbler's Knob is a fine choice for those seeking to escape the crowds of the Longmire - Paradise trails.

From the Westside Road Trailhead, the road continues past the metal gate, paralleling the debris strewn floodplain of the Tahoma Creek Valley (.5 miles : 2,995'). Glimpses of Mount Rainier can be seen up the valley on this stretch of trail.

The trail veers away from the creek (1.0 miles : 3,160') and passes a day-use picnic area before rising gently on long switchbacks. Still technically Westside Road, the path is wide and easy, making for a pleasant ascent through a mixed Douglas fir and Western Cedar forest (1.5 miles : 3,336'). 

Before long, the trail reaches the Tahoma Vista Picnic area (2.0 miles : 3,465') and makes a hairpin turn left. Cougar and black bear and known to inhabit this stretch of trail and are commonly seen by visitors.

Still on Westside Road, the path begins a more aggressive ascent with salmonberry and huckleberry bushes lining the trail (2.5 miles : 3,545').  

The trail continues ascending - remaining virtually unchanged until reaching Round Pass (3.7 miles : 3,835'). Turn left at Round Pass to find the Lake George Trailhead and turn right onto the Lake George Trail.

Now on the Lake George Trail (4.0 miles :  3,945') - the path narrows to body-width and ascends aggressively through a canopied forest towards Lake George (4.5 miles : 4,235').

Lake George is one of the few good fishing spots in all of Mount Rainier National Park and provides a great backcountry camping spot for those seeking to springboard to other destinations - including the Glacier View Wilderness which borders the national park.

From Lake George, the trail cuts through intermittent flower-laden meadows (5.0 miles: 4,545') before rising sharply  to the split for Goat Lake (5.4 miles: 5,035'). Turn right at the split to remain on the Lake George Trail.

From this point, the trail makes its final steep push to the craggy top of Gobbler's Knob (5.8 miles : 5,475') .

Resting atop a massive granite outcrop lay the lookout tower at Gobbler's Knob. The tower was constructed by the NPS in 1933 and is still in use today. Views from the tower are some of the best in the park at this elevation. On a clear day, once can see Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, the Cascades, as well as Mount Wow and even Lake George.