High Rock Lookout 5,685 elevation 3.2mi - Randle, WA

Standing on top of an old fire lookout (established in 1930) after hiking up a 1,328ft elevation gain, the world unfolds beneath you in a mesmerizing panorama view. The crisp mountain air, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the sheer vastness of the landscape – this is a sense of awe that is breathtaking!

One of the most exhilarating experiences a nature enthusiast like myself has is reaching a summit with 360° views. Imagine walking through dense forests, climbing rocky paths, and overcoming challenging elevation, all with the promise of an unparalleled reward awaiting you at the top – the opportunity to witness the world from a perspective usually reserved for birds (and chipmunks; I met a handful of chipmunks on High Rock waiting for that next tired hiker to drop a piece of their lunch).

As you ascend, each step brings you closer to the heavens. Your breath quickens not just from the physical exertion, but also from the sheer anticipation of what lies ahead. And then, when you finally reach the summit, there it is – the entire world, laid out before you in all its glory. The feeling is nothing short of euphoric, an overwhelming rush of joy that tingles through your veins.

In this moment, you realize the insignificance of your worries and the grandeur of the world we inhabit. The sense of achievement mingles with an overwhelming gratitude for the beauty of our planet. It's a reminder that there is so much more to life than the routine of daily existence – there are heights to scale, horizons to explore, and endless wonders all around us.

If you ever have the chance to embark on this hike, I say seize it! The joy you'll find at the top, with the world unfolding around you in all its glory, is a joy that will stay with you long after you've descended, a memory that will inspire you to seek more adventures and to cherish the wonders around you.

-Blaine Ford