Lake George and Gobblers Knob

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Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Lake George is a pristine mountain lake nestled in the northwest shoulder of Mount Wow, a mountain whose name means "goat." Gobblers Knob is a rock outcrop situated at the north end of Mount Wow, and there is a fire lookout tower on top. From this spot on a clear day, Rainier's summit and Tahoma Glacier are visible, as are the peaks of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Olympic Mountains.

Campsites at Lake George are popular. Permits are required for camping, and campfires are prohibited. Bicycles are allowed on the final 4 miles of Westside Road leading up to the trailhead, but vehicles are not. See the Mount Rainier National Park website for more information about access and permits.

Take the 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 Dry Creek. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the rock fall hazard zone.

Hike up the closed portion of the road to Round Pass and the trailhead (approximately 4 miles). The route to Lake George is easy with a gradual incline, and most hikers will choose to stop there. It is popular for families with small children. The slog to Gobblers Knob Lookout is an additional 1.5 miles and much steeper.