Gifford Pinchot National Forest Observation Peak Hike Hike 59
Length: 5.6 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 900' Cumulative Elevation gain Season: Summer thru Fall Difficulty: Moderate Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
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.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
