State: Washington
Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Length, One-Way: 7.2 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 1200 feet
Maximum Elevation: 3600 feet
Best Season: July to October
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.
Diablo Lake Washington
Trail Information
This hike description for the Observation Trail begins from the south. Begins by following the Trapper Creek Trail (#192.1) for one mile. From there, Observation Trail climbs steadily along the ridge through a second-growth Douglas fir forest, gaining 2,600 feet in five miles as it nears Observation Peak summit. During this five mile section, the trail passes the junctions of the Big Slide Primitive Trail (#195) at three miles in and the Sunshine Primitive Trail (#198) at four miles in. The trail leaves the wilderness and then passes Observation Peak Trail (#132A) and Trapper Creek Trail #192 at six miles in and Big Hollow Trail (#158) shortly thereafter. Observation Trail ends on Forest Road 58.
The trail features wildflowers, bear grass and huckleberries, which are abundant in summer and early fall. The rugged viewpoint at the northern end offers a majestic view of Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens on clear days.
Directions
From Carson:
Travel north on the Wind River Highway (County Route 30) to the forest boundary. Continue on 30 north past Beaver Campground to Forest Road 64. Follow FR 64 north for approximately seven miles to Forest Road 58. Take FR 58 southwest for about two miles to the north trailhead.
Take the Wind River Highway (County Route 30) north to the forest boundary. Continue on Route 30 past Beaver Campground to Forest Road 3065. Follow FR 3065 west for about 0.5 mile to Forest Road 5401. Follow FR 5401 northwest to the Trapper Creek Trailhead.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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