High Rock (46.68449, -121.90303) High Rock is not only the highest and loftiest point on the Sawtooth Ridge of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, but it’s also #45 on Washington’s list of peaks with 2,000′ of prominence. It’s short approach makes it popular, especially amongst families, but use caution at the top. The summit is a sheer cliff and vertigo-inducing. After many years of neglect, High Rock finally received emergency repairs in 2018 and the Forest Service and White Pass Historical Museum are currently managing a restoration effort. Consider donating through the White Pass Historical Museum below to help support the restoration! History. The original structure was built in 1929, taking 31 days to assemble with materials brought in by pack mule from Mineral, WA. Along the trail is a plaque dedicated to Johnnie T. Peters, who managed this pack team and also helped construct 10 other lookouts in the Mineral, Packwood, and Randle districts. High Rock was used as active lookout for much of its life and staffed by the well-known Packwood local Bud Panco for 17 years. He was employed by the Forest Service his first 10 years, then remained as a volunteer after budget cuts. In 2004, vandals broke the door and tossed his bed from the lookout. He retired shortly after and passed away in 2014. In 2001, High Rock was placed on the National Historic Lookout Register but with Bud’s absence in 2004, the structure fell into disrepair, mostly at the hands of vandals. High Rock’s restoration is slated to take several years and I can’t wait to return and see this beautiful lookout restored to its former glory. The route. Distance (RT): 3.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,365′ Summit Elevation: 5,685′ Though this is a short hike, there is no water on the trail or nearby so bring your own. From the trailhead below at Towhead Gap you can see the lookout perched precariously high on the sheer rock above. It’s an unbelievable sight! The trail starts out narrow, entering forest and providing nice shade for most of the climb. The way is short, but also steep with few switchbacks. Wooden benches along the trail provide nice resting spots if needed. Take a minute to look around the base of the summit block for the dilapidated remains of a cabin, then take a breath before continuing up the sheer rock to the summit. It’s plenty safe but the airy cliff drops over 600′ and can trigger some vertigo, so be careful! The old steel guide cables that used to be there are long gone thanks to vandals. Enjoy the jaw-dropping view of Rainier as well as Adams and Mount St. Helens on the horizon with Cora Lake sparkling a dizzying 1,500′ below. And remember, pack out garbage and be kind to this structure to others can enjoy it for generations to come! 2022-10-16 18:30