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Hike 59 Observation Peak Main Menu
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Hike Length: 5.6 miles round trip
Elev. Change: 900' cumulative gain
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Hike: In and Out
Season: Summer thru Fall
Trail Numbers: #132, 132-A
Trail Condition: Fair to Good
Trail Access: Fair to Good
Trail Signage: Fair to Good
Features: Views, Wildflowers
Pet Friendly: Yes
Useage: Light
Permit: NW FP NOT Required
Horses: Yes
Mtn Bikes: No

Summary:
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This hike begins off Forest Road #58. The trail head is well marked. The trail begins a moderate climb and it makes its way through fairly dense forest. There are only a couple of viewpoints along the way.

At about a mile the trail summits out at a rocky area where you can get great views of Mt Adams to the east and Mt Rainier to the north. The trail then descends following a small stream part of the way. After a few switchbacks you will come to the junction of Trail #158. Keep on straight ahead. In only a few yards you will come to another junction with Trail #192. Again, keep on straight ahead.

At about 2 miles you will come to yet another junction. At this point, bear to the right, and follow Trail #132A. The trail gets a bit steep as you work your way up the side of Observation Peak. There is a fine viewpoint along the way, but the best views are waiting for you at the top.

Upon reaching the summit of Observation Peak you are treated to wonderful views of all the surrounding terrain, including Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, Mt Adams, and the Columbia River Gorge.


The following images are random samples of the wildflowers found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Mouseover image to view flower name, and click on image to jump to flower guide.

Directions:

from Portland, OR
From Portland, travel east on Interstate Hwy 84 to Exit 44 to Cascade Locks. Exit the freeway and cross over the Columbia River into Washington via the Bridge of the Gods. Then turn right, or east, and head east through Stevenson, Washington to the intersection of the Wind River Highway to Carson, Washington. Bear left onto the Wind River Highway which will take you through Carson, Washington.

from Vancouver, WA
From Vancouver, WA travel east on SR14 through Stevenson, Washington to the intersection of the Wind River Highway to Carson, Washington. Bear left onto the Wind River Highway which will take you through Carson, Washington.

from Carson, WA
Continue north on the Wind River Highway (FR30) for about 8.6 miles to the little community of Stabler and the junction with Forest Road 43, also called Hemlock Road. Continue northwest on FR30 for another 5.4 miles and you will pass a fish hatchery on the left. Continue on another half mile and turn right at the junction with Forest Road 3065, which continues straight ahead.

After turning right at the junction with FR3065, continue another 2.1 miles to the junction with Forest Road 64. Bear left onto FR64 and climb steeply for another 6 miles to the junction with Forest Road 58. Bear left onto FR58 and follow this road for another 2 miles and you will come to the parking area and trailhead for this hike on your left.


Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions


Vicinity Map


To contact the Gifford Pinchot NF for current information: Click Here.



A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Click for PDF
Click for PDF