Sure, Mount Rainier National Park is iconic — but just beyond the gates, a whole world of wild beauty awaits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Ashford area and the Sawtooth Region of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest offer incredible hikes without the crowds, packed with hidden gems and panoramic views.
Want jaw-dropping scenery without the traffic of the National Park? Hike to a historic 1929 fire lookout perched on a 1,500-foot cliff, with sweeping views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams all in one epic frame. Wander quiet forest trails past alpine lakes, cascading streams, and secret waterfalls.
Looking for even more adventure? Many of the Sawtooth trails are mountain bike friendly — and if you want to cruise with ease, you can rent an eBike right in Ashford at Whittaker’s Mountaineering. It’s a fun, flexible way to explore deeper without breaking too much of a sweat.
Whether you’re here to escape the crowds, discover hidden beauty, or just breathe in the alpine air, the Sawtooth backcountry of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is your ticket to adventure off the beaten path.
If you prefer the trails of Mt. Rainier National Park, be sure to visit our Mt. Rainier Activities page to learn more and to down load maps prior to your visit.
Big Creek to Cora Lake
Trail #252
Wander through towering old-growth firs on this easy, family-friendly trail! Adults and kids will love the adventure of hopping across Big Creek (no bridges — just fun!), so keep a hand on the little ones, especially when the water’s high.
Dip your toes or stay dry — the creek crossings are simple, and the payoff is worth it. All along the way, you’re treated to peaceful forest vibes as you pass Cora Falls, with High Rock’s historic fire lookout towering above, its white cabin shining on clear days. A hidden gem worth the journey!
Getting there: From Ashford, follow SR 706 onto Skate Creek Road (FR 52) and follow for 4.7 miles. Turn right (south) onto graveled FR 84 and follow for 4.2 miles turning right onto FR 8420. Continue 1.5 miles to trailhead.
Distance: 1.4 miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 3,800 ft.
Learn More: WA Trails Association
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Photo by RachelJLP, WA Trails Association.
High Rock Lookout
Trail #266
⚠️ The trail will be closed through November 1 for lookout renovation.
This trail takes hikers up to High Rock Lookout, one of three fire lookouts remaining on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The lookout offers incredible views of the Sawtooth Ridge, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and much of the surrounding landscape.
The trail begins on Forest Road 8440 and climbs steeply through increasingly sparse conifers to High Rock Lookout. High Rock is a prominent 5,685 feet high peak on Sawtooth Ridge with a sheer 600 foot drop on its north face. The unmanned fire lookout was built in 1929.
Please use caution when exploring this area. Stay behind the cables.
Getting there: From Ashford, follow SR 706 onto Skate Creek Road (FR 52) and follow for 4.7 miles. Turn right (south) onto graveled FR 84 and follow for 6.8 miles bearing right onto FR 8440. Continue 2.7 miles to the trailhead at Towhead Gap.
Distance: 3.2 miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,365 ft.
Highest Point: 5,685 ft.
Learn More: WA Trails Association
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Photo courtesy Visit Rainier.
High Rock Lookout.
Photo courtesy Visit Rainier.
Pothole, Bertha Mae and Granite Lakes Teeley Creek Trail #251
Discover a string of alpine lakes just south of Mount Rainier National Park on this accessible and rewarding trail. Starting from the Teeley Creek Trailhead, you’ll reach Pothole Lake in under half a mile—perfect for a quick nature fix.
Continue climbing past Bertha May Lake, where summer huckleberries line the trail, and head up to Granite Lake, an inviting spot for a mid-hike swim and mountain views.
For those craving more mileage, press on another 2.5 miles to Cora Lake. The trail winds beneath dramatic High Rock and along its eastern ridge before descending to the lake—an ideal spot to relax before heading back.
Distance: 3 miles, round trip
Learn More: Washington Trail Association
Photo by Adrianne H., WTA.
Greenwood Lake
Trail #253
Perhaps one of the regions least known or traveled trails, with large trees, wildflowers and expansive views that will surprise you along the way. The trail head can be found off Forest Road 8440, South of the popular High Rock Trail and sharing the same parking area
The area surrounding the lake was intensely logged in the 1980s and 1990s. However explorers will find pockets of old growth and mature timber along the trail. Areas that were cutover more recently now reveal brilliant wildflowers come mid-summer. Enjoy excellent views from Mt. Rainier to Mt. Adams year round.
This trail is hike and mountain bike friendly.
Getting there: From Ashford, follow SR 706 onto Skate Creek Road (FR 52) and follow for 4.7 miles. Turn right (south) onto graveled FR 84 and follow for 6.8 miles bearing right onto FR 8440. Continue 2.7 miles to the trailhead at Towhead Gap.
Distance: 5.6 miles, round trip
Lowest Point: 4,200 ft.
Highest Point: 4,783 ft.
Learn More: Hiking Project
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Photo by Craig Ramano, hiking guidebook author.
Photo by Craig Ramano, hiking guidebook author.
Osborne Mountain
Trail #250
The difficult Osborne Mountain Trail begins at Big Creek Campground on Skate Creek Road just outside of Ashford and is a moderately trafficked out and back trail (though there are several loops which could extend your experience). The trail features a moderately dense forest setting and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, bird watching and foraging and is best used from March until October. Highlights include views of Mt. Rainier, the Nisqually River Valley and Pothole Lake. The trail ends at Teeley Creek Trail #251.
Getting there: From Ashford, follow SR 706 onto Skate Creek Road (FR 52) and follow for 1.9 miles. Turn right into Big Creek Campground and locate trailhead near campsite number 28. (If the campground is closed, park on the shoulder of the entrance being sure not to block the gate or driveway access.)
Distance: 5.5+ miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,474 ft.
Highest Point: 4,920 ft.
Learn More: Washington Trail Association
Photo by Visit Rainier.
Photo by Terrence Beach Jr, Hiking Project.
Silver Creek
Trail #258
Silver Creek Trail is a quiet, scenic hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Beginning just off Skate Creek Road, the trail offers a gentle, steady climb through lush fir and hemlock forest, skirting peaceful wetlands and crossing small, bubbling creeks.
Early on, hikers are treated to views of Lookout Mountain and glimpses of Mount Rainier — with even better panoramas as you gain elevation. In spring and summer, the air is alive with birdsong and wildflowers, and the trail winds through shady groves and huckleberry-covered slopes.
Getting there: From Ashford, follow SR 706 onto Skate Creek Road (FR 52) and follow for about 11 miles turn right onto Forest Road 5240 (also called Forest Road 134). After half a mile you will come to a large gravel pullout that doubles as a shooting range. Park here and walk another half mile to the trailhead or cautiously continue driving through low hanging branches to park at the trailhead.
Distance: 9 miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft.
Highest Point: 4,080 ft.
Learn More: WA Trail Association
See also: All Trails
Photo by Sarah EC, WA Trail Association.
Allen Mountain
Trail #269
Ready for a wild climb into the heart of the Gifford Pinchot? The Allen Mountain Trail begins off the Greenwood Lake Trail and offers a rugged, rewarding journey into the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Climbing steadily through fragrant fir and hemlock, it reveals glimpses of remote ridgelines and wild backcountry along the way.
Near the summit, expansive views stretch across forested valleys and, on clear days, distant volcanic peaks. With steep, uneven terrain, this trail is best for experienced hikers seeking solitude and a true sense of discovery.
Getting there: From Ashford, follow SR 706 onto Skate Creek Road (FR 52) and follow for 4.7 miles. Turn right (south) onto graveled FR 84 and follow for 6.8 miles bearing right onto FR 8440. Continue 2.7 miles to the Greenwood Lake trailhead at Towhead Gap and follow to Allen Mountain.
Distance: 10 miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,350 ft.
Highest Point: 4,825 ft.
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Photo by Eckart S, WA Trails Association.
Photo by Visit Rainier.