Elopement Scouting — High Rock Lookout near Mount Rainier

High Rock Lookout, right outside of Rainier National Park, has all the perks of eloping inside the park with out the need of a national park permit, park entrance fees, or the crowds. This hike boasts of 360 degrees of jaw dropping views, dramatic cliff sides, the perfect view of Rainier, and access to the historical fire lookout in case of inclement weather .

To get to the trailhead, you’ll follow a long (and a little bumpy) dirt road to a small pullout area with room for 10 or so cars. It’s a moderate 1.6-mile hike to the top. When I visited, our group started at 4am to enjoy the sunrise and were happily surprised that we had the place to ourselves. Although this hike is not as busy as others closer to Seattle, if you want to have more privacy, sunrise is your best bet. If you don’t mind sharing the views, then sunset is the next best time to visit. With 360 degree views, this hike is the perfect location to say your “I do’s”.

Things to know:

  • Seasonal hike: Best from July to September

  • Length: 3.2 miles, roundtrip

  • Elevation gained: 1,365 feet

  • Difficulty: Intermediate

  • Group size: 12 or less

  • Parking pass: none

  • Road conditions: All-wheel drive suggested

Read more about the hike here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/high-rock

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My life in numbers: Charging 20 AA batteries Formatting 12 memory cards Dusting 4 lenses Troubleshooting 2 remotes Packing 1 bag 88 miles of driving to go! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Prepping for this weekends wedding at the @mightytieton.
Sometimes the best hikes are hardly hikes at all. This little gem of a place was about 200 feet from the car. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Pacific Northwest never stops astonishing me! Where are your favorite roadside stops? They often make the best photo shoot locations!