Beginning July 7, 2025, the High Rock Lookout and surrounding area will be closed to the public during the construction and renovation of the High Rock Lookout on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. This closure order will remain in effect through September 15, 2025, unless it is rescinded sooner.
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:
- Any Federal, State, or County officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
- 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: