Skyline Trail Loop
2 weeks ago
Fall colors are fading, but still beautiful
7 this month · 133 reports
Gobblers Knob
Mount Rainier Area
updated 1 month ago
The trail to Gobblers Knob is in good condition, with recent reports from September 28 and September 14 noting it is snow-free and clear of major obstacles. The Westside Road leading to the trailhead is also reported as suitable for all vehicles, with no significant issues mentioned as of September 28. Wildflowers were noted as abundant earlier in the season around July 11, and the forest is beginning to show subtle hints of fall color as of September 14. Views have been variable, with some reports mentioning haze or smoke obscuring distant peaks on August 3, August 15, and August 22, though spectacular views have also been reported on clearer days. Parking can be plentiful, with about a dozen cars noted mid-morning on August 22, and a fair amount of parking available even midweek as of August 3.
Generated from 38 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Gobblers Knob
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
The Westside Road is generally reported as suitable for all vehicles and in good condition. Recent reports from September 28 and September 14 indicate no issues. Earlier in the season, as of August 3, there was a washout mentioned but it was still considered drivable by most cars, and park workers were actively re-grading it as of August 22.
The trail itself is generally reported in good condition with no significant obstacles in recent reports. As of September 28 and September 14, the trail is described as being in good condition. Earlier reports from July 4 mentioned blowdown and overgrown sections, but these do not appear to be current concerns based on later reports.
Parking appears to be generally adequate, though it can vary. As of August 22, there were about a dozen cars in the lot mid-morning, filling about 70% of the area. On a midweek evening as of August 3, there were about a dozen cars parked and no toilets were available. On September 28, there were a lot of cars in the parking lot, but the reporter noted many were likely for cyclists using the road.
Views from Gobblers Knob have been variable. On September 28, spectacular views of Mount Rainier, Mount Saint Helens, and Mount Hood were reported. However, on August 3, the views were hampered by dense smoke, and on August 15, fog rolled in. As of August 22, views were described as great, although haze was present.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
It was a sunny day with spectacular views of Mount Rainier, Mount Saint Helens, and Mount Hood. I saw only five people hiking the entire day despite the fact there are lots of cars in the parking lot....
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
OurTacoma Mountaineers Hiking & Backpackinggroup headed to beautiful Mt. Rainier for the last in our series of hikes for "Lookouts and High Places" that happened over the summer. Highly recommended!Kn...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
This is the 260th trip report for this hike.Boot blowout, but had BBQ when I got home which mended the wounds. Tough hike on blown out boots. My boots were beyond ready to retire but I thought I could...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
In Sum:Road:No issues up to where the road is closed.Trail: Well-marked and obstacle freeBugs: Bugs were noticeable but not bothersome throughout the hike.Road: A fair amount of parking - there were a...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
I came that close-.4 of a mile from the lookout (intersection with Goat Lake trail). Of course Georg made it. This was Georg's tenth hike, my second. I had a shoulder replacement the last of April and...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Tacoma Mountaineers Hiking & Backpackingheaded to lovely Lake George for one of their field trips from theIntroduction to Backpackingcourse. If you are interested in learning tips, hacks and best prac...
Older3 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Bottom Line:Combination bike/hike up to Gobbler's Knob fire lookout off Westside Road. Staying for sunset requires a descent in the dark, but both the trail and road are easy to navigate with a headla...
Older3 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Gob Knob - got to the park around 7:20, no rangers and free entry. This place needs gates.I walked the west side road in an hour, very gradual and low grade, one nice spot for a view by the rushing wa...
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
Tacoma Mountaineers Hiking and Backpacking group enjoyed a 3-day trip on the Wonderland Trail.DAY 1 – WESTSIDE ROAD TO SOUTH PUYALLUP CAMP5.34 miles | Elevation: +1,558' / -446'The adventure officiall...
Older4 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
It took us nearly an hour to get through the Nisqually entrance, and as a result we didn't get to the trailhead until just past 10am. It was surprisingly busy, with about two dozen cars parked there. ...