High Rock Lookout, standing tall at 5,685 feet, offers an unparalleled vantage point dramatically elevated above the surrounding terrain. On clear days, the summit unveils breathtaking panoramic views stretching in every direction and downwards, making it a rewarding destination for hikers seeking spectacular scenery. The trail, a moderately steep but concise 1.6-mile ascent along Sawtooth Ridge, culminates at the summit where a historic fire lookout clings to the edge, adding a unique historical element to your hiking experience.
Remember to pack water, as there are no water sources available along the trail, and trailhead amenities are non-existent. Upon arriving at the parking area at Towhead Gap, you’ll notice two weathered trailhead signs positioned across the road from each other. Locate the sign on the northwest side, where the road initially broadens to form the parking area. This sign, hopefully still readable, marks the “High Rock Lookout Trail 266.” Immediately to the right, a seemingly wider path ascends – disregard this; it quickly diminishes into an eroding boot path that eventually merges with the main trail about a tenth of a mile ahead.
The primary trail begins somewhat narrow and bordered by lush vegetation. After it intersects with the boot path, it follows the Sawtooth Ridge upwards, entering a young forest of fir and hemlock trees. This canopy provides welcome shade for much of the uphill climb. The trail maintains a comfortable width for the remainder of the ascent. In the lower sections, huckleberries are abundant, offering a tasty treat during the right season. Keep an eye out for bear grass, trilliums, and penstemon, though these are less frequently encountered.
The climb is consistently moderately steep with minimal switchbacks, progressing steadily in a north-northwest direction, either just below or along the crest of Sawtooth Ridge. The trail surface is generally well-maintained, with few roots or rocks to impede your progress. Conveniently placed wooden benches appear at 0.7 and 0.9 miles, providing ideal spots to pause and rest. From these points onward, the trail becomes steeper, and the vegetation alongside thins out, giving way to larger, more mature trees.
At the 1.3-mile mark, the trail crests Sawtooth Ridge at a rocky outcropping and natural viewpoint. A sharp drop-off here obscures a direct view of the summit initially, but it’s indeed close by. Continue your ascent along the west side of the ridge top, passing slightly below the visible lookout structure. As you reach the northern edge of Sawtooth Ridge, the dramatic vertical drop of the north face becomes strikingly apparent. Turn right for the final 200 yards, which leads you onto the expansive, gently sloping rock slab to which the lookout building is anchored. Constructed in 1929, the lookout is no longer actively staffed and is closed to public entry due to the absence of lightning protection.
The United States Geological Survey aptly classifies High Rock as a “pillar,” describing it as a “vertical, standing, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation.” The exposed nature of this pillar demands caution. The protective cables that once existed are no longer in place, leaving hikers exposed to a sheer vertical drop of up to 600 feet on the north side. Savor the incredible vistas from the rock itself or from the wraparound deck of the lookout. To the northeast, Mount Rainier dominates the skyline, and below, Cora Lake shimmers, over 1800 feet below your vantage point. Admire the rugged cliffs stretching to the west, or simply marvel at the seemingly distant treetops far beneath.
