Vancouver, WA: Sister Rocks to Observation Peak
Explore a moist forest of Pacific silver fir on this 5.4-mile out-and-back to the aptly named Observation Peak, where views of volcanic peaks await.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.3
Waypoints
OBS001
Location: 45.9500160217285, -122.039764404297
Head S; immediately begin sharp, lung-burning climb
OBS002
Location: 45.9486846923828, -122.037933349609
The down-curving branches of Pacific silver firs garnish trail; terrain rises gently
OBS003
Location: 45.9468841552734, -122.037780761719
Purple and white shelf fungus hangs like ornaments
from the light gray trunks of silver firs
OBS004
Location: 45.9431686401367, -122.03963470459
Chopped stumps form three natural seats on R; continue up gentle ridgeline
OBS005
Location: 45.9376678466797, -122.039070129395
Turn R @ Y, then L @ next Y to a sun-baked vista overlooking valley floor and surrounding Cascade Mtns. Loop back to trail
OBS006
Location: 45.9301834106445, -122.036064147949
Stay straight; primitive camping available @ Barry Camp on R (no permit required)
OBS007
Location: 45.9298515319824, -122.035835266113
Keep straight, climbing SE toward summit
OBS008
Location: 45.9264183044434, -122.031814575195
Swing R @ Y onto Trail #132A (no sign); trail climbs and opens into alpine meadow with arching mountain views
OBS009
Location: 45.9206657409668, -122.024780273438
Observation Peak: Big, treeless views of Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mts. Adams, Jefferson, St. Helens, and Rainier. A fire lookout once stood on this 4,207-foot summit
