Alder Overlook - Elbe Washington

Alder Overlook is a simple highpoint that overlooks Alder Lake, surrounded by water in two directions. I have a personal affection for this one and have been to the top dozens of times. Alder Overlook was the name of my DNR timber sale that harvested the mountain and is the only highpoint that I designed a road to the summit. The timber sale harvested only the Alder trees, which were abundant on the slopes. Aesthetics were also considered as the hillside is in view of the Mount Rainier National Scenic Highway.

Alder Overlook

To access the property is tricky. You must walk a road through a small private parcel before reaching DNR lands. If you had a boat, you could reach state lands without the private property issue. From Elbe, drive south a few miles to a right turn on the Pleasant Valley Road. Drive about 3 miles, following the map provided. Look for a gated road on the right side. There is also a boat ramp across the lake.

The first 100 yards are private land (future home sites), and then you reach a DNR gate marking the start of State Lands. At a Y just beyond, turn right. Follow it uphill to another Y, a new road goes left up to the summit. Topo maps show two contending highpoints but Lidar mapping shows the western summit as around 30 feet higher. On top it will be noticeably higher.