Best 10 Hikes and Trails in Mount Rainier National Park | AllTrails Youll pass forests, lakes, wildlife, and wildflowers as you work your way up. From outdoor adventures to offbeat experiences, follow along as we help others travel more and adventure boldly! Along the way, youll climb up-and-down several hills, ultimately gaining 1,540 feet of elevation gain. Completed on 8/19/23. 5,846-feet) in 1932; Tolmie Peak (el. Just 0.2 miles in, the access trail will fork- keep to the left and continue your climb to the Sourdough Ridge Trail. you do get the view. Sunrise - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The lower part of the trail is pretty busy but he crowds thin out the last 1.3 miles. Gets you closer to the mountain. Lots of mountain vistas from all along the trail. Totally worth it though, gorgeous hike. There were spots with snow that if I didn't have good shoes, it would have been disastrous. Elevation gain: 900 feet Hiking time, round trip: 3 hours Wilderness Camps: None Trail Description The trailhead starts at 6,400 feet elevation at Sunrise and climbs moderately a short distance to the top of Sourdough Ridge. many. Keep left at the pass and continue another 0.8 miles to big blue Eunice Lake. Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake Washington Trails Association Humphrey Mtn. Perfect weather with clear views of Mount Rainer until about 1pm. The road in is dirt with some potholes, but not too many. A few hours from Seattle, this 10-mile-round-trip trail climbs 2,600 feet before showing you a truly magnificent view from the top. For another, the terrain will switch from grassy meadows to jagged pieces of broken rocks. Would recommend doing the lookout and adding the burrows and shadow lake coming down the sunrise rim. Rainier short of being in an airplane. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tolmie-peak, https://www.wta.org/site_images/hikes/tolmie-peak-lookout2013eunice-lake-7-29-2018-nikkkid.jpeg/@@download/image/Tolmie Peak LookoutEunice Lake-7.29.2018-NikkkiD.jpeg. You will find a rocky cliff-like overlook before the fire tower, which will be busy with hikers enjoying views of the fire tower and Mt Rainier. We swam in the upper lake at 5:00 pm and had part of the beach to ourselves. The chipmunks can be aggressive with people feeding so be ready for some little guys running up and around you when stopped at the look outs. happy hiking :). Most lookouts were built from the 1920s to the 1950s- Tolmie Peak (and the other three lookouts, including Mount Fremont, Gobblers Knob, and Suntop, that are in Mount Rainier National Park) were all constructed between 1932 and 1934. This is why we cant have nice things! Keep in mind that some are falling down and many have been vandalized in recent years, so practice Leave No Trace ethics and obey posted signs so all can enjoy for years to come. In fact, Fremont Lookout, along with its other Rainier lookout brethren, were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 and has become a beloved stalwart of the park today. Pretty dry and dusty when we hiked. Reached by FR 7315 (off of FR 73 near The Dalles Campground on SR 410) Suntop is a popular family picnicking and sightseeing spot. I added the Burroughs and Shadow Lake after this, so my round trip was 9-10 miles. The lot had plenty of spots at 8:30 a.m. on a weekday. The park is open from dawn 'til dusk daily. I think thats a good idea. My first hike with a 35lb pack!!! On the way back from Fremont, Burroughs had cleared up so I did Burroughs one and two. 15 Epic Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park - Earth Trekkers Beautiful route in the Sunrise section. The reason that it is the best, is that you can sometimes be lucky . This is also a great hike for early season wildflowers, as its on the drier side of the mountains. Thirty years later, the Washington Department of Natural Resources constructed a tower on 4,930-foot Puyallup Ridge. Because of this risk, I take bear spray (which is used much like pepper spray to temporarily disorient, but not injure aggressive animals) with me wherever I go hiking in Washington state. To get to the fire lookout, you'll take the 5.7-mile (out-and-back) moderately challenging trail, called Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, and gain 1,118 feet of elevation in two big pushes, one towards the start of the hike and one towards the end. Saw a herd of mountain goats in the distance. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models. Turn left to continue to Mount Fremont. This glacier-capped volcano can be seen for hundreds of miles, but to view it up close from hiking trails and overlooks in the park, it is extraordinary. It can get very dusty though but the road is pretty wide so would suggest turning on headlights. Great addition to do the Burroughs 1, 2 and the Glacier Viewpoint too, Going up to Fremont was easier than the boroughs. Still had a fantastic day. Incredible day! Hot. Keep an eye out for mountain goats to your left throughout your climb; this area is a favorite locale for our furry friends to bask in the sun! View full map Reviews (1,856) Photos (14,512) 5 4 3 2 1 4.8 1856 reviews Sort by: Michael Vest reviewed Sunrise Rim Trail Loop and Mount Fremont Lookout I had wanted to do this hike, but avoided it due to the reviews about the service road. From the lake, youll follow four long switchbacks, totalling approximately one-mile, up to Tolmie Peak- while the elevation gain is killer, the sneak previews of the epic vistas of Rainier and the surrounding peaks along the way will surely serve as an excellent distraction. Four of the five are still standing and in use as back country rangers stations. At 1.5 miles in, youll hit yet another junction for several trails, Burroughs Mountain, the Wonderland Trail, and the one youre looking for, Mt. With over 3,400-feet of elevation gain, the trail is often deserted. We went sunset rim trail after we passed frozen lake. Mt. I trail ran this and it's perfect for it! Sigh. For my photo guide for Mt. So if youre headed on a Washington state road trip and planning a stop at Mount Rainier National Park, lace up those hiking boots and lets hit the trail- heres everything you need to know to hike to the Fremont Lookout. Plenty of parking. Due to the heavy snowfall the park receives. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I often think of our Fire Control Officer, Don Karou, and thank him for the job that I was made for and should have worked at until retirement. The two-story structure houses a lookout station on the upper level and storage at ground level. Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout: Hike to Mount Rainier's Most Beautiful Momma bear and cub on way back to sunrise. Due to this areas high elevation and heavy snowfall, the roads here go through some funky closures. I started the trail intending to do burroughs first (counterclockwise) then doing sunrise rim. On the plus side, impossibly grand fir, cedar, and hemlock trees form a cathedral over this initial part of the trail, providing blessed shade on a hot summers day. On your right, youll catch glimpses of the azure waters of Mowich Lake through the trees, as you skirt around the lakes western shoreline. There are no grizzly bears in Mount Rainier National Park, but there are black bears that frequent this area. Rocky in places. Buggy around the lakes but not as bad once away from the lakes. Fremont Lookout is located a little over two hours southeast of Seattle in the northern side of the national park, called the Sunrise area, which is home to some of the best trails in the park, like the Burroughs Mountain Trail or the Summerland Trail. Spectacular views and enjoyed a dip in Eunice lake. Only 198 of California's 625 fire lookout towers remain as more forests Gobblers Knob has the distinction of being the closest lookout to the colossal volcano. I would suggest going clockwise from sunrise to the burroughs because you get the view of rainier on your hike up! Youll start behind the Sunrise Visitors Center on a steep climb along the Sunrise Ridge Access Trail. This post may contain affiliate links. These towers were placed for big viewsand now, they beckon adventure. Thanks to a lofty trailhead elevation of 6,400 at Sunrise, you need not work hard hiking the 2.7 miles to this lookout. Enjoy this 5.7-mile out-and-back trail near Paradise Inn, Washington. It's a steep mile to Tolmie Peak, and the trail curves around to the north side of the peak for views of the peaks and valleys north, including the large Carbon River Valley before delivering you to your destination. Rainier Tower Lookout. So if youre headed to Washington states Mount Rainier National Park and looking for an epic trail, lets put your hiking boots to good use- heres everything you need to know to hike to the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout. The elevation gain will at first be gradual, but it steadily becomes a thigh-of-steel-esque workout. So I did Fremont lookout instead, and it was beautiful, super clear views and not crowded due to the squalling. You may want to check out our other posts about some of the other amazing hikes in the park: We also have a ton of content all around Washington state (what can I say, my home state is pretty great! Did anyone lose an earphone there on Aug 16? App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. Lake George Trail: 145 Reviews, Map - Washington | AllTrails 4. Consider bringing a high-clearance vehicle, though sedans are sometimes able to make it. Saw tons of marmots. The trail cuts through incredibly lush and thick forest en route to the lookout. Sitting watch over the northwest corner of the park, Tolmies 5939-foot summit commands impressive views from the Mountain to the Sound. The trailhead is reached via the Mowich Lake Road where you follow the Wonderland Trail north for 1.5 miles to Ipsut Pass. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 The smoke wasnt too bad in the morning but got worse later on. I can imagine what it would be on a clear day. I love this trail but don't see the point to going to 3rd. Gorgeous views at the top. The vast majority of hikers enjoy the trail from mid-July through the beginning of October. It was fairly crowded but not terrible. If youre visiting during the summer, theres few things better after a long, sweaty hike than diving into Mowich Lakes cool, blue waters. Tucked in the seldom-visited northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, the Tolmie Peak fire lookout frames the mountain's rugged slopes with a pristine alpine lake and rocky peaks. As for what time of day to visit Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout, the views are stunning throughout the day, but sunset is particularly spectacular, with the setting golden sun casting spectacular colors on Rainier. The isolation of Kelly Butte was fulfilling and the immediacy of Mt. Get up there early, the lot fills up fast. Lookouts proliferated after the Great Fire of 1910, when flames fanned by violent winds scorched 3 million acres in Washington, Idaho and Montana, prompting zealous fire-protection efforts. Continue reading, 856 You'll start behind the Sunrise Visitor's Center on a steep climb along the Sunrise Ridge . Youll follow this trail for another 1.3 miles, climbing an additional 481 feet in elevation. Wildlife abounds in the park's ecosystems. Since theyre refillable, theyre better for the planet than plastic bottles- plus, theyre kinder to your wallet! Mount Rainier Hikes Mt. In fact, Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 and has been a favorite of Rainier visitors ever since. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tolmie Peak Hiking Stats. High Rock Lookout, built as a fire lookout in 1925, is one of the most spectacular places to stand and gaze at the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Just go slow - much of it was fine but if you got too confident and hit a huge pot hole, it would hurt! While you cant backcountry camp near the lookout, there are some backpacking options reasonably close to it, like Sunrise Camp, Forest Lake, or Berkley Park. All very near the trails! Distance: 5.6 miles (out-and-back) Total Elevation Gain: 1,633 feet (roughly 75% of this is on the way to Tolmie Peak lookout) Starting Elevation: 5,100 feet. Arrived at Sunrise road entrance to park at 912AM and waited 45 min-1 hr to get in. Very exposed from that point to the lookout. The reward at the top is a classic fire lookout with impressive views of Lake Kachess and Mount Rainier. I'd jump at the chance to rent for a day or two. Beware theres a bear, saw it coming down from lake Eunice I think. Flowers are not really blooming on the Sunrise side like they have past years around now. The 12 Best Mt. Rainier Hikes to Add to Your Washington Bucket List That 16 mile gravel road made up half my commute - I had to take it slow with my sedan. Lots of roots and very steep in some sections, but its a beautiful trail. Evergreen Mountain Lookout - Recreation.gov Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich, Day Hiking: Mt. Insane views .Coming down the hill by shadow lake on wonderland trail is breathtaking. Great weather and views. In the early 80's I was fortunate to have a seasonal backcountry position at Mount Rainier and stayed several times in Gobblers Knob lookout, a beautiful experience. very smoky today, 7/21. I still remember staying there on July 4 and watching multiple very distant fireworks displays from Puyallup to Seattle through binocs. Phenomenal trail but super hot due to lack of shade. Learn more Glacier-capped peaks. No many hikers on Sunrise Rim or Burroughs - views are stunning. Bring tons of water, and some high energy food. Built in 1930, it was soon taken out of use, replaced by a new tower at lower Sunset Park. Lots of smoke though, could barely see Mt. It becomes a gravel travel and then splits. Arrived at Sunrise around 9 AM on 7/27, plenty of parking available. Rainier Drive Tours Chinook Scenic Byway Circle Rainier Road to Paradise You start your hike at Sunrise at 6,400-feet making this journey pretty manageable. In fact, due to its topography, this area is prone to experiencing cloud inversions (i.e., when warm air is trapped on the bottom, with cold air on top, creating an environment where clouds blanket the ground), which, if youre lucky enough to catch one, make sunrise and sunset straight up EPIC here. Soon after the first tower was constructed on Mount Rainier, both the park service and the forest service realized what many hikers know todaythat some of the best and more reliable alpine views are not on the mountain itself, but on the surrounding lower ridges and knobs immune to near perpetual cloud cover. Not too many bugs. The loneliest of Rainiers lookouts, Shriner guards the quiet southeast corner of the park. I didnt expect to be so taken back. We wore masks, good hike! Was super windy at the top. This post may contain affiliate links. Trail etiquette was awful from other inexperienced hikers though. Lots of room at 7 AM. Keep left again when you hit the Sourdogh Ridge and be sure to pause along the ridgeline and admire the stunning views of the layers upon layers of Cascade Mountains to your right. Entry to the lookout is by key, which must be obtained from the Skykomish Ranger Station FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. You will love it! Fire Lookouts Mount Tahoma Trails Mt. Rainier for Suntop was wonderous. Fremont Lookout: Hike to Mount Rainier's Highest Fire Lookout Chipmunks are the only wildlife I encountered and they were very friendly and curious on both trails. Did see some mountain goats though! Sunrise Rim Trail Loop and Mount Fremont Lookout. The drive to Tolmie Peak is just 72 miles from Seattle, but expect it to take a few hours. Pam Morey, the coordinator for the San Bernardino National Forest's fire lookout host program, demonstrates an Osborne fire finder at Keller Peak fire lookout tower in the San Bernardino . Lookout. Epic trifecta Burroughs , skyscraper and Mt Fremont. From Forest Service employees and Jack Kerouac to Instagram influencers and day hikers, Washington States fire lookouts have been a destination for the masses for decades. Thorp Mountain It'll take you two hours to get to the trailhead of. A few hours drive from Seattle in Mount Rainier National Park, the Shriner Peak Lookout is a great place to get away from it all. As one of the strangest named hikes in Washington State, Gobblers Knob is a fun lookout to reach in Mount Rainier National Park. Did a sunset hike, saw unreal colors. The hike up to Mount Fremont lookout was easy minus the shale and loose rocks in the last 3/4s of a mile. Thanks to the folks at VisitRainier we're able to share the following article by Craig Romano on the fire lookouts of Mount Rainier National Park. Rainier. After you reach the top and see the view, youll understand why. There is something almost magical about seeing Mount Rainier, especially your first time. Rainier. The effort is worth it though. No longer needed to suppress wildfires, these lookouts now ignite passion and awe in their admirers by offering some of the hottest views in the Northwest. But there was a squall at around 11AM with 30MPH winds and rains, possible lightning and a ranger and multiple hikers warned me off it and told me to turn around. It ended up being nice because we had shade on the way down. July and August bring colorful wildflowers along the trail- as well as those nasty mosquitoes mentioned above.