Normally you’d have to take a plane to catch a glimpse of what floats above the clouds. But here in Washington, we’re lucky enough to have many mountain peaks where you can feel truly on top of the world. One of those spots happens to be High Rock Lookout, a stunning fire lookout located near Mount Rainier National Park.

High Rock Lookout is situated along the loftiest and most prominent point of the serrated Sawtooth Ridge, rising above the Nisqually River valley just south of Mount Rainier National Park. The lookout itself has stood since the 1930s but is no longer staffed. It’s actually one of the few remaining in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

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However, if you decide to give the hike a go, you won’t find the lookout. It was actually removed last summer for some much-needed restoration work and will be returned when complete sometime in 2023. That being said, you can still enjoy the lookout platform which allows you to take in the sweeping mountain views from 360 degrees.

This hike is a great one to enjoy at the end of summer because it’s typically snow free until October. What’s more, it requires no pass to hike and is a moderate hike difficulty-wise at 3.2 miles roundtrip and a little over 1,300 feet of elevation gain. So take three hours out of your day and give this hike a go! You can learn more at Visit Rainier’s website.

Curiocity Staff

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