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Mount Rainier National Park Hikers crossing Stevens Creek at the base of Martha Falls on the Wonderland Trail.
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Mount Rainier National Park
Lake George Trail
 
Trail route from Westside Road, near Nisqually entrance, to Lake George/ SW.
A map of the Lake George Trail route from Westside Road. Use of a topographic map is recommended.
 

Trail Description:

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Lake George

Gobblers Knob

Distance, round-trip:

 9.8 miles

 12.8 miles

Elevation gain:

390 feet

1585 feet

Hiking time, round-trip:

5 hours

8 hours

Wilderness camps:

Lake George

No

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."

One mile east of the Nisqually Entrance is the Westside Road junction. Turn here and continue up the Westside Road to where it ends (approximately 3 miles from the start of the road). Hike up the closed portion of the road to Round Pass and the trailhead (approximately 4 miles).

The hike to Lake George is easy with a gradual incline. It is popular for families with small children. The hike up to Gobblers Knob Lookout is an additional 1.5 miles and much steeper.

 

 


Along the Trail:


Take time to enjoy the shoreline of Lake George and the summer wildflowers and wildlife while hiking to Gobblers Knob. From the lookout is a spectacular view of Mount Rainier and the Tahoma Glacier cascading from the summit down the west slope of the mountain. On a clear day the peaks of Mounts St. Helens, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Olympic Mountains are visible to the south and east. The fire lookout itself is worth more than a quick glance as it has been in use since the 1930s.


Backpacking:


Campsites at Lake George are popular. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.

 

Drawing of a trail through tall trees.
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The toe of Carbon Glacier appears dirty as it is covered in silt. Mount Rainier is in the background.

Did You Know?
Carbon Glacier, on the north side of Mount Rainier, comes to the lowest elevation of any glacier in the lower 48 states at 3500 feet. It is also Mount Rainier's thickest glacier, one section being nearly 700 feet thick.

Last Updated: April 26, 2011 at 16:37 MST