Gobblers Knob/Lake George

Dogs No Dogs

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

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".

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.

Like most dirt roads, Westside Road is a well-graded doubletrack, allowing for easy running. Gobblers Knob is a different story, and proves to be quite steep for runners.

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. Runners and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the rock fall hazard zone.

Run 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 runners 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.

Enjoy the shoreline of Lake George and spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Tahoma Glacier from Gobblers Knob. On a clear day the peaks of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Olympic Mountains are visible. The fire lookout has been in use since the 1930s.