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Adventure Travel

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

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