Gobblers Knob, Lake George — Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025

This was a very nice, quiet hike, with very few people on the trail. While it is very doable in a day, it also wouldn't be a bad idea to split this into a two day hike camping at Lake George. 

I would split this hike into 3 parts. Part 1- 2/3rds of the trail is on a gravel road. While the road is closed, you still might get a couple cars on it (park rangers/workers) It is wide open and fairly flat with a slight incline. This is the longest section but also the easiest. Still a beautiful area and a good start. If you walk a little bit further on this part past the trail entrance, you will find a memorial (https://visitrainier.com/marine-memorial/). It's worth it to stop and visit it and isn't too much out of the way. 

From here, there is the second part of the hike, the trail entrance to Lake George. The sign at the start shows Lake George as being about a mile in and Gobblers Knob lookout about 2.5 miles. That mile to Lake George is not as flat and while isn't the hardest part, also isn't as easy as the first part. Getting to the lake however and seeing how beautiful the lake is though is breathtaking and peaceful. When I got there I almost thought, This is enough, I can spend an hour or two here before heading back, It is beautiful and peaceful. But by that point the lookout is only around 1.5 miles left to go, You won't want to miss the view from the lookout. But this might be a good spot for a snack or Lunch depending on the time. 

The Third and final part of the hike, The Trail from Lake George to Gobblers Knob Lookout. Over half of the Elevation gain you will go on this hike will be in this part. Take your time and head up the path to the Lookout. Once you get to the Top, you will see a beautiful view of Mt Rainier as well as all over. I was very lucky that I had it too myself but by the time I got there, I only had about a half hour before I wanted to start heading back. I wish I had longer to be able to stay up there. There were also some very friendly Canadian Jays up at the lookout. 

I don't think I saw more than a dozen people total during the whole hike, It is a hike well worth going if you can handle the distance and the elevation gain.