Lake George

Ascend the decommissioned portion of the Westside Road to the Lake George Trailhead, and then follow a moderately steep trail through an old-growth Douglas fir and hemlock forest to a secluded and beautiful campground on the shores of a beautiful blue-green mountain lake. Grab a permit at the Longmire Ranger Station and make it an overnight - but bring warm clothes.

The first portion of this hike is a 3.8 mile gradually ascending road hike on the decommissioned portion of the Westside Road along a rushing creek and up to Round Pass, where the Lake George Trailhead will be on your left at the edge of an old parking area. The second portion of this hike ascends 0.8 miles through old-growth forest to the campground by Lake George. From here you can take a rough, unmarked and overgrown trail down the south side of the lake for different perspectives.

If you wish to make this an overnight, grab a first-come, first-served permit at the Longmire ranger station. Come early for the best chance at a campsite. Conditions permitting, hike Gobblers Knob in the morning (a 3.2 mile roundtrip hike from the Lake George Camp) for one of the best views around before heading back to your car.