Hike to Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout

This one starts with a twist most hikers don't expect: the first three miles are on a closed road, not a trail. Westside Road got shut down to vehicles years ago due to rockfall, so you'll be walking pavement before the real hiking begins at the Lake George trailhead. Once you hit dirt, the trail climbs steadily through old-growth forest — thick Douglas fir and western red cedar that block out most of the sky. You'll pass Lake George about halfway up, a gorgeous alpine pool worth a quick stop. The final push to the lookout is where your quads start earning their keep, gaining serious elevation through switchbacks on increasingly rocky terrain. Then you step onto the summit and the entire south face of Rainier fills your field of vision — massive, glaciated, close enough to feel imposing. The restored 1930s fire lookout caps it off. This trail rewards hikers who don't mind a long approach for a world-class payoff.