Beginning Wednesday, July 8, the High Rock Lookout and surrounding area will be closed to the public during the continued reconstruction and renovation of the High Rock Lookout in the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The closure order will remain in effect through Aug. 23, unless rescinded sooner, a news release from the U.S. Forest Service stated.
The High Rock Lookout has been maintained by the White Pass Historical Museum since 2004, when it was no longer needed for lookout operations. In 2017, the lookout was determined to have significant rot damage.
Due to the difficulties of making repairs on site, the lookout was removed piece by piece by helicopter in 2020 for historically accurate restoration work. Last summer, in 2025, the lookout’s foundation was replaced, and the restored pieces of the structure were transported back to the original site on the forest by the Sand Mountain Society.
Restoration efforts continue as volunteers from the Sand Mountain Society work to replace ceiling material, windows, and other aspects of the lookout damaged by vandalism that occurred in June.
Due to the cliff-side location, the rugged steepness of the High Rock Trail, and popularity of the lookout, there is a risk to public and personnel safety during the operations and construction activities. The purpose of this order is to protect the health and safety of the public and those involved in the restoration efforts of the High Rock Lookout and allow for safe travel along the NFS Trail 266 High Rock Trail and at the High Rock Trailhead, according to the release.
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, 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 six months, or both.
To view the full closure order and map, visit https://tinyurl.com/hheh3hzh.
