The High Rock Lookout and a surrounding 150‑foot area will remain closed to the public as reconstruction work enters its final stages. This closure is an extension of a previous order and will remain in effect through October 31, 2026.

This continued closure supports the ongoing restoration of the historic High Rock Lookout on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. In 2025, the lookout’s foundation was replaced, and restored structural components were transported back to the site by the Sand Mountain Society. Volunteers are now completing the remaining work, including installing new ceiling materials, windows, and other key features needed to finish the restoration.

Due to the lookout’s cliff‑side location and its high visitation, closing the area is necessary to protect both the public and project personnel during construction activities. Extending the closure helps ensure a safe work environment and allows restoration crews to complete the project efficiently.

The High Rock trail (#266) and the High Rock trailhead are now open and accessible to visitors. To view the full closure order and a map, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/alerts/high-rock-closure-area. 

Learn more about the High Rock Lookout Restoration Project visit:

• The White Pass Country Historical Museum: https://whitepasscountrymuseum.org/.
• The Historic Property Management Plan for High Rock Fire Lookout (#4010): https://whitepasscountrymuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HPMP-High-Rock-FINAL-2.pdf. 
• The Sand Mountain Society: https://sandmountain.org/ and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sandmountainorg. 

Restrictions include:
– Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a charcoal fire and pellet fire, on all National Forest System lands. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are allowed, as they can be switched off instantly.
– Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
– Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited year-round on national forest lands.
– Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.

Nearly nine out of ten wildfires nationwide are human-caused and can be prevented. Everyone can do their part to help prevent wildfires. Smokey Bear’s message of preventing unwanted human-caused ignitions is more relevant today than ever before as more people live closer to wildlands and recreate outdoors.

Neighboring national forests are also beginning to enact public use restrictions for the wildfire season. Find more about restrictions and fire safety on adjacent lands:

• Gifford Pinchot National Forest
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Mt. Hood National Forest
• Willamette National Forest
• Learn how you can prevent wildfires
• Check the local and regional fire outlook

The High Rock Lookout has been maintained by the White Pass Historical Museum since it was no longer needed for lookout operations. In 2017 the lookout was determined to have significant rot damage. Because of the difficulties of the repairs, it was determined to remove the lookout which took place in 2020 and transported off site by helicopter for restoration work in a controlled setting. This summer, the lookout’s foundation will be replaced, and the structure will be transported back to its administrative site on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to be reinstalled.

Due to its cliff-side location with a drop of 600 feet, the rugged steepness of the High Rock Trail, and popularity of the lookout, there is a risk to public and personnel safety during the heavy equipment operations and construction activities. The purpose of this order is to protect the public and personnel’s health and safety of those involved in the construction operations of the High Rock Lookout and allow for safe travel along the NFS Trail #266 High Rock Trail and at the High Rock Trailhead.

The designated closure area includes:

• NFS Trail #266 High Rock Trail in its entirety.
• High Rock Trailhead
• Within 150 feet of the High Rock Lookout foundation and structure.

Exemptions:

1. Any Federal, State, or County officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this order.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

View the full Closure Order and Map.

To learn more about the High Rock Lookout Restoration Project see:

• The White Pass Country Historical Museum
• The Historic Property Management Plan for High Rock Fire Lookout (#4010)
• The Sand Mountain Society and Facebook page

Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals seeking walk up permits will incur the same per person, per night fees as those who have made advance reservations.

The change in the wilderness fee structure ensures equitability. Under the prior per trip flat fee, smaller groups that had less impact and used fewer resources paid higher costs individually than larger groups who had a greater impact on park resources.

“These fees directly support the experience of wilderness permit holders,” said park Superintendent Greg Dudgeon. “For instance, they support the work of rangers who patrol the park’s more than 270 miles of maintained trails; manage and transport backcountry users’ food caches; clean, service, and pack out accumulated waste from backcountry toilets; and ensure compliance with permits and regulations that protect park resources and the wilderness experience.”

Wilderness permit reservation fees at Mount Rainier National Park have remained unchanged for 26 years. A Recreation.gov use fee was added in 2021. The park issues almost 7,000 wilderness and climbing permits each year.

Information on wilderness permits can be found on the Mount Rainier National Park website.