USAMiriam Subbiah

Gobbler's Knob

USAMiriam Subbiah
Gobbler's Knob
 

Backpacking in Mt. Rainier National Park


 

Camp in Mt. Rainier National Park. Drive in Friday night and spend the night at Cougar Rock Campground – enter from the Southwest entrance, by Ashford. Talk to a park ranger first thing the next morning and book a group camp spot on Lake George for that night.

Hike the easy couple miles in and drop your gear. There’s a bear pole to stow your stuff. Even in the peak of summer you’re likely to have the whole lake to yourself.

Swim in Lake George to cool off. Commandeer a log raft and see how far you can get around the lake.

Then hike the easy 1 mile up to Gobbler's Knob for sunset.

Bring a camp stove for warm food, sleeping bags to share, and a hammock to throw up between trees. Enjoy a 360º view of the park and Mt. Rainier, but come prepared for the biting wind. Hike back down the the lake-side camp spot after dark – don't forget your headlamp.

 
 

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Seattle, WA