Red Mountain Lookout via Indian Racetrack

Red Mountain is an underrated spot in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with great views of local peaks and not too much work required to reach them. This hike follows Indian Racetrack, a pleasant trail with marshes, forest, and lakes to admire.

Indian Heaven is notorious for its summer mosquitoes, so we recommend visiting in August or September when the bugs don’t tend to be as bad. Bring a good spray.

From the trailhead just north of the horse camp, head across the creek. The elevation gain is moderate but fairly consistent as you hike the well-maintained trail. Go straight through the junction just after a small lake and start your final climb over the false summit and then to Red Mountain. Enjoy the view of Mount Rainier, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood before retracing your steps to the trailhead.