The first portion of this hike is a 3.8-mile, gradually ascending road hike on the decommissioned portion of the Westside Road along a rushing creek and up to Round Pass, where the Lake George Trailhead will be on your left at the edge of an old parking area. The second portion of this hike ascends 0.8 mile through old-growth forest to the campground by Lake George. From here, you can take a rough, unmarked and overgrown trail down the south side of the lake for different perspectives.
If you wish to make this an overnight, grab a first-come, first-served permit at the Longmire ranger station. Come early for the best chance at a campsite. Conditions permitting, hike Gobblers Knob in the morning (a 3.2-mile roundtrip hike from the Lake George Camp) for one of the best views around before heading back to your car.
Lake George
46.7834,
-121.8876
Map & Directions
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Length
- 9.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 930 feet
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
National Park Pass
Ascend the decommissioned portion of the Westside Road to the Lake George Trailhead, and then follow a moderately steep trail through an old-growth Douglas fir and hemlock forest to a secluded and beautiful campground on the shores of a beautiful blue-green mountain lake. Grab a permit at the Longmire Ranger Station and make it an overnight — but bring warm clothes.
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Hiking Lake George
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
National Park PassWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
From the Nisqually entrance of Mount Rainier National Park (off Highway 706), drive east on Nisqually-Longmire Road for 1 mile. The turnoff for the Westside Road is on your left. There is no designated parking area, so be sure to park in such a way that traffic can flow uninterrupted along the road.
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