This is a trip report for the Observation Peak Trail in the Trapper Wilderness area of Gifford Pinchot NF.  This is Trail #132 beginning at FS road 58 accessed 7.5 miles from Wind River Rd. The road is easily passible for vehicles with high clearance & 2 wheel drive, as there are a few rough eroded spots. As mentioned by USFS website, this hike and area were impacted by the 2020 Big Hollow wildfire.  The first 1 mile of trail is through the decimated fire zone - beware - during high winds, this area could be dangerous with falling "widow makers" - It is ugly and burnt. However, after 1st mile, the area is generally impacted with only spot fire damage. And, from 1.5 miles to the summit, generally very little fire damage and the traditional wonderful understory and trees you would expect to find along the trail. Although there is some wildfire damage at the summit, you will will be pleased to experience the wonderful views of nearby volcano's (Helens, Adams, Hood) for a great experience. Overall, the trail is very well maintained with likely USFS having chain sawed the big logs that had fallen across the trail. Erosion is minimal. Finally, checking with 2 separate GPS devices, I can confirm that the round trip mileage for this hike is 7 miles, not the 5 miles that WT has previously posted. 

This was our second attempt at this loop after the Big Hollow Fire. Trapper Creek trail is in fine shape and the lower part of Big Slide and Observation Peak are also fine. However, the upper reaches of Big Slide and Observation Peak in the fire damaged zone are in very poor shape. We encountered loose rock and dirt, fallen trees and uprooted stumps along with eroded and very narrow trail remains with overgrown under growth. It's a shame the forest service has not done more (or anything?) to rehabilitate these trails. This would be an excellent location for rehabilitation work by WTA. 

Coming in from the south on 54, once the gravel starts past the Soda Peaks trailhead the potholes really weren't so bad, but a handful of the larger washout bumps might be hairy in a lower clearance vehicle (I was fine no scraping @ 7.1"). Would suggest looking at the other trip reports for a different route in with a better road in that case.

Trailhead was easy to find as there were a couple of cars at mid-day on a Tuesday; I saw both sets of hikers making their way down as I hiked up to the Berry Patch to stay overnight. Saw one other couple hiking up to the peak during my overnight stay, and the trailhead was empty when I hiked out the next morning. 

Stunning views from the summit, and both sunrise and sunset from the vantage point along the ridge were amazing. Bugs were minimal (lots of spiders though but I much prefer them to anything flying or biting), huckleberries plentiful, and solitude for miles. 

What a beautiful hike!!  The trail is in great condition and well loved. The views and tranquility are worth all your efforts. Go up, then down, then up again but nothing too steep. The side trail to Sister Rock is incredible and worth it. Saw maybe two or three groups on the trail and had the summit mostly to ourselves. Lots of side spots to check out Mt. Adams. As noted, the last two miles of road are rough but we did it in a Honda, go slow and be mindful. 

This is my type of hike - not too strenuous with an amazing payoff view. Roads to get up were fine. The last 2 mile stretch on 58 had some big potholes, but very manageable going slow.

Trail is signed clearly and well maintained for the most part.

On a prime time summer Saturday, we saw 5 other groups on our way up and down and had the summit mostly to ourselves.

Amazing views of St. Helens, Adams, Rainier, Hood and even Jefferson poking out in the distance.

Highly recommended.