Mt. Rainier & Crystal Mountain Lodging

Mt. Rainier Hiking

Connect with the great outdoors out on the trail. Whether you seek wildflower meadows, fall color displays, family-friendly routes or expansive mountain views, find your trail on the Sunrise side of Mt. Rainier.

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Deadwood Lake
Length: 3.3 miles Hiking Time: 3 hr  High Point: 5,704 ft  Elevation Gain: 867 ft  Season: July – Oct  Pet Friendly: No Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Find the Pacific Crest Trail below Chinook Pass on SR 410. From the PCT trailhead a short spur (left) leads to the PCT. At the PCT turn right.

Often referred to as a hidden trail, this trail worn fresh by fisherman, is a perfect trail to be alone with your thoughts or your best friend. Find lots of wildflowers, elk grazing in a meadow or gaze across the small and lovely mountain lakes along your journey. 

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Goat Falls
Length: 1 mile  Hiking Time: .75 hr  High Point: 3,064 ft  Elevation Gain: 238 ft  Season: March – Nov  Pet Friendly: Yes  Pass: NW Forest Pass Description:

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Follow Highway 410 to Forest Road 7174 (aka the Corral Pass Rd). This is a very steep and rough dirt road on the left side of the highway. At 0.6 miles, ake a right at the "Y". Take the next left and go 0.2 miles.

A short but very scenic trek leads you through the forest and past a series of cascading waterfalls before arriving at your destination at pretty Goat Falls. Nestled against a large rock-face the falls are not large, but very picturesque. 

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Emmons Moraine
Length: 3 miles  Hiking Time: 1.5 hr  High Point: 4,829 ft  Elevation Gain: 523 ft  Season: July – Oct  Pet Friendly: No  Pass: National Park Pas

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The trailhead is in the White River Campground, just down the road from the White River Entrance to Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park. Start at the Glacier Basin Trailhead on the west end of the campground (Loop D)

Witness the power of ice! This is a great trail to view the Emmons Glacier, one of the 25 glaciers on Mt. Rainier. At the source of the White River, the gigantic boulders and several small lakes share the landscape and geology with the water from the glacier.

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Federation Forest Trails
Length: 1.5 mile loop  Hiking Time: 1.5 hr  High Point: 1,700 ft  Elevation Gain: 0 ft  Season: April – Oct  Pet Friendly: No  Pass: Discover Pass

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Federation State Park is on SR 410 about 18 miles from Enumclaw, at milepost 41.

600 acres of forested land is set aside for educational and recreational use. The day park offers access to the forest in the lowlands while snow is still deep in the mountains. Good training trails or a nice walk in the woods on a warm summer day.

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Rainier View
Length: 2.4 miles  Hiking Time: 1 hr  High Point: 6,000 ft  Elevation Gain: 300 ft  Season: July – Oct  Pet Friendly: Yes  Pass: NW Forest Pass

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31 miles east of Enumclaw on Highway 410, look for Forest Service road #7174 (Corral Pass Road). Turn left onto it and drive about 6 miles (it's very steep and rough), pass the Noble Knob trailhead, and come to Corral Pass and the Rainier View trailhead.

Summertime is best for this popular trail as wildflower meadows set the stage for great views with a backdrop of outstanding images of Mt. Rainier and the Crystal Mountain area. For families, this hike is a better choice for older children due to craggy outcroppings and several drop offs along the route.

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Shadow Lake
Length: 1.5 miles Hiking Time: 1 hr High Point: 5400 ft Elevation Gain: 190 ft Season: July – Sept Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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The trail begins at the south side of the Sunrise parking lot. Shortly after leaving you come to a junction. Stay right.

With Mt. Rainier as your backdrop, this gentle trail offers flower meadows and a babbling brook in a subalpine forest to share with out of town guests and the entire family. The lake is a shallow tarn nestled into the green meadows with alpine fir trees surrounding the area. Watch for wildlife as the lakes and tree offer habitat for mountain critters. Kids enjoy bird watching and peering at tiny frogs in the pond.

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Sheep Lake
Length: 4.9 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hrs High Point: 5,770 ft Elevation Gain: 650 ft Season: July - Mid Nov. Pet Friendly: No Pass: NW Forest Pass

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At the top of Chinook Pass on Hwy 410, drop down a few feet to Pacific Crest Trail trailhead/parking lot. Signs indicate the trailhead here.

The hike to Sheep Lake from Chinook Pass offers up scenic views, grassy meadows, dense forests and easy off-trail scrambles. Perfect for wildlife watching and families.

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Skookum Flats
Length: 4.2 miles Hiking Time: 2 hrs High Point: 2,550 ft Elevation Gain: 100 ft Season: March – Dec Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Start on Rd. 73 (Huckleberry Creek Rd.), off of Hwy 410, (stay left), and follow the river upstream. After crossing the bridge, the parking area is on the right with the trailhead on the left.

This is an excellent woodland hike to its main attraction, Skookum Falls. Families with dogs and biking enthusiasts find it preferable in the spring (the month of May is best) when the snow melt gorges the falls with torrents of water.

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Snoquera Falls
Length: 4 miles Hiking Time: 2 hrs High Point: 3,182 ft Elevation Gain: 700 ft Season: March – Nov Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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The trailhead is located in the parking lot on the right side of the entrance road to Camp Sheppard at milepost 53 on Hwy 410.

Spring is the best time for the full display of cascading water at the falls, but the hike itself can be enjoyable year round. The hike begins in the thick forest and passes large boulders before coming into view of the falls. Continue across the creek and take the steep trail to the best vantage point to get the full affect of the awesome view.

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Sourdough Ridge Trail
Length: 4 miles Hiking Time: 2 hrs High Point: 7,006 ft Elevation Gain: 600 ft Season: Mid July – Sept Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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Find the trailhead near the restrooms on the uphill side of the Sunrise Parking Lot.

If there is only time for one trail at Sunrise, this is it! You'll find close-up views of majestic Mt. Rainier, experience of alpine meadows in full bloom, and walk along ever-so-easy paved paths for the young and young at heart! Does being on top of the world appeal to you?

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Sunrise Rim Trail
Length: 5 miles Hiking Time: 3 hrs High Point: 7,169 ft Elevation Gain: 772 ft Season: Mid July – Sept Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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The trail begins at the south side of the Sunrise parking lot. Shortly after leaving you come to a junction... stay right.

Depending on how much time and energy you have, first along the trail view Shadow Lake, or continue along on the 1st Burroughs Trail. After Shadow Lake, continue to Glacier Overlook for a popular photo op. After this point in the trail, the route becomes more challenging, but each step gets you closer to the fragile displays and fascinating tundra-like landscape.

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Greenwater Lake/Echo/Lost
Length: 4 miles Hiking Time: 2 hrs High Point: 2,000 ft Elevation Gain: 200 ft Season: May - Mid Nov. Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Follow State Route 410 from Enumclaw 2 miles past Greenwater. Take a left on Road 70 fro 8 miles and cross a bridge. Take a right at the sign for the trail.

Bring your kids, your dogs, even your horse, for the ultimate family experience in an easy, yet picturesque woodland experience. This is a great early season outing, perfect to break in your hiking boots. Don't forget your fishing pole! Take the trail another mile and find the fork to Echo or Lost Lakes both 3.5 miles from the intersection.

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Moderate

Berkeley Park
Length: 11.3 miles Hiking Time: 6 hrs High Point: 6,767 ft Elevation Gain: 400 ft in / 1200 ft out Season: Mid July – Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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The hike begins on a paved spur at the west end of the parking area at Sunrise

The hike begins along the Sourdough Ridge Trail, then heads onto Frozen Lake. The further you go the more solitude you will encounter. When you come upon glowing meadows, the meandering creek and waterfall, you know you have arrived!

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Bullion Basin Loop / Henskin Lake
Length: 8.1 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hrs High Point: 6,479 ft Elevation Gain: 2,420 ft Season: June – Oct Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: No Pass

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Start near main lodge at Crystal Mountain Resort

Encounter terrific views of Mt. Adams from the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail goes up and down and around with lots of space for exploring meadows and off shoot trails. Henskin Lake is one of the main attractions along the route. This lovely lake is a destination in itself.

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Burroughs Mountains
Length: 5.4 miles Hiking Time: 4 hrs High Point: 7,828 ft Elevation Gain: 1,443 ft Season: Late July – Sept Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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Begin your route at Sunrise behind the restroom facilities

The next best thing to being ON Mt. Rainier is to be on Burroughs Mountain. You can almost touch Mt. Rainier! 1st, 2nd and 3rd Burroughs identify each mountain, each a little further and a little higher than the other. You are above the tree line and the tundra-like ground beneath your feet is proof of this true alpine experience. Watch out for mountain goats, they share the trail!

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Crystal Mt. Loop
Length: 7.2 miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs High Point: 6,750 ft Elevation Gain: 2,715 ft Season: June – Oct Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Start hike on Rd. 410 from Crystal Mountain Resort off the Crystal Mountain Blvd.

From the upper end of Henskin Lakes at Crystal Mountain, head right onto the unsigned Crystal Mt. Trail. Take a side trip to Elizabeth Lake. Enjoy the vistas and the delightful mountain air. The highlight has to be the summit of Crystal Mountain and the ride back down on the bright red gondolas!

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Dewey Lakes
Length: 5.4 miles Hiking Time: 3.5 hrs High Point: 5,773 ft. Elevation Gain: 388 ft in / 643 ft. out Season: Mid July – Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Drive east on SR 410 to Chinook Pass, the trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail (and the Naches Loop) is a little below the pass.

Heading south on the Pacific Crest Trail, the path curves around Naches Peak, passing tarns and steep meadows shimmering with wildflowers. Shortly before reaching the Pacific Crest Trail there is an overlook of Dewey Lakes...the lakes look further away than they are. At the junction, the Pacific Crest Trail continues, dropping down to Dewey Lakes in about a half mile.

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Glacier Basin
Length: 9.6 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hrs High Point: 6,250 ft Elevation Gain: 2,530 ft Season: July – Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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Head east on Hwy 410 to the entrance to the White River Entrance of Mt. Rainier NP continue to the White River Campground. Find trailhead parking on the left-hand side of the road near the upper end of the campground.

Save this hike for a clear day to get the most of your up-close view of Emmons Glacier. This trail is also the beginning of the climbing route to Camp Schurman, the east access to the Mt. Rainier climbing route. It's also a prime geological and historical area. The Starbo Copper mine was here in the 1890s. This is a not to be missed trail for every Mt. Rainier fan.

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Grand Park
Length: 7.5 miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs High Point: 5,633 ft Elevation Gain: 1,080 ft Season: Late May - Late Oct Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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To reach the trailhead SR 410 east from Enumclaw, 24.8 miles to Huckleberry Creek Road (FS 73) on the right side of the highway. Follow this gravel road about 10 miles to the Lake Eleanor Trailhead.

Grand Park... The name says it all! It's a magical, close-up view of Mt. Rainier that is hard to put into words You just have to be there to understand its magnitude. The flat landscape resembles a park with mountains surrounding a vast meadow of wildflowers.

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Kelly Butte
Length: 3.6 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hrs High Point: 5,379 ft Elevation Gain: 1,080 ft Season: June – Sept Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: No Pass

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Drive east on State Route 410 and about a mile past Greenwater turn left onto paved Forest Road No. 70. Continue about 7-3/4 miles to gravel Forest Road No. 7030, and then about 8 miles on Road No. 7030 to trailhead parking.

Fire lookouts equal amazing views. This is true on this steep, but user-friendly trail. Keep a watchful eye for mountain goats and of course the ever present and majestic Mt. Rainier.

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Mount Fremont
Length: 5.4 miles Hiking Time: 3 hrs High Point: 7,200 ft Elevation Gain: 800 ft Season: Mid July – Sept Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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The trail starts high at Sunrise on the northeast side of the mountain. At the Sourdough Ridge Trailhead.

You'll be treated to impressive views of Mt. Rainier to the south and the entire Cascade range to the north. The Mount Fremont Lookout is a popular hike to the fire lookout structure that is still used today by backcountry rangers. Mountain goats, marmots and green forest vistas make this destination one of the best!

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Naches Loop / Peak
Length: 4.5 miles Hiking Time: 3 hrs High Point: 6,000 ft Elevation Gain: 700 ft Season: Mid July – Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: NW Forest Pass

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At the top of Chinook Pass, there is parking at the Tipsoo Lake area and along the highway between that area and the summit of the pass.

Wildflowers, views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, alpine lakes and streams, and easy access, need we say more? This is the perfect way to get your first taste of hiking. A great option for the family; kids will love it! Do Not forget your camera!

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Noble Knob
Length: 4 miles Hiking Time: 3 hrs High Point: 6,011 ft Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft Season: July – Sept Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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From Greenwater on SR 410 continue about 2 miles to FS Road 70, then turn right on FS Road 72, left at next fork (no sign), right at next fork (Road No. 7222) and from there turn left at road junctions whether signed or not. The "back door" trailhead is designated with a post (right) but not identified as Noble Knob.

One of the most scenic hikes in the region. Walk along a ridge with rocky outcrops. Wildflowers decorate your path along the way. Explore Lake George or scramble off trail for more adventure. You won't want to leave!

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Owyhigh Lake
Length: 7 miles Hiking Time: 3.5 hrs High Point: 5,185 ft Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft Season: Mid July - Mid Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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From Highway 410 on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park, take the White River entrance road and drive 2.1 miles to a parking lot on the right side of the road, about one mile beyond Shaw Creek. The trailhead is across the road.

Tranquil alpine meadows, lovely lakes and ragged high ridges make this a perfect destination for solitude. Although no views of Mt. Rainier, the hike is well worth the trip for a refreshing and quiet outing.

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Palisades Lake
Length: 7.5 miles Hiking Time: 4 hrs High Point: 6,150 ft Elevation Gain: 700 ft Season: Mid July - Mid Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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Start across from the Sunrise Point parking area on the road to Sunrise.

The phrase "picture-perfect" comes to mind when describing the six sweet lakes along this route. Believe it or not.. among them is Tom, Dick and Harry Lakes. This is a stellar fall hike, and August offers the best opportunity for wildflower viewing.

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Sand Flats
Length: 6.6 miles Hiking Time: 2 hrs High Point: 5,577 ft Elevation Gain: 1,684 ft Season: July – Oct Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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The road to Sand Flats camp is 4.4 miles from Hwy 410 off of Crystal Mountain Boulevard, approximately 2 miles from the resort, close to the Norse Peak trailhead.

A nice day hike in the Crystal Mountain area. At the top you'll have spectacular views of Mt. Rainier in the distance. Wander the ridgeline and see if you can identify Dege Peak, Sourdough Ridge and Skyscraper Mountain; all a stone's throw away.

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Skyscraper Pass
Length: 7.9 miles Hiking Time: 4.5 hrs High Point: 7,079 ft Elevation Gain: 1,700 ft Season: Mid July – Sept Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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At Sunrise the hike to Skyscraper Pass begins on a short path between the rest rooms and the Day Lodge trails and junctions are well signed.

Turn left at the junction on Sourdough Ridge (the right fork continues to Dege Peak, another spectacular hike). Some of the most amazing fields of wildflowers and best views in the world are found on this hike. You have many options to wander "along the mountain path" and check out expansive views of the White River Valley.

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Sourdough Gap to Crystal Lake
Length: 7.2 miles one way Hiking Time: 4 hrs High Point: 6,368 ft Elevation Gain: 1,200 up and 2,800 down Season: June - Mid Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Leave one car at the Crystal Lake trailhead and drive to the Pacific Crest trailhead just east of Chinook Pass summit where the hike begins on the PCT.

This one-way trail's first stop is Sheep Lake at 1.5 miles. Follow the trail to Sourdough Gap for amazing views of the mountain. With wildflowers at your feet and knockout views of Crystal Lakes below, there is a visual reward nearly every where you look!

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Strenuous

Crystal Peak
Length: 7 miles Hiking Time: 5 hrs High Point: 6,600 ft Elevation Gain: 3,048 ft Season: Mid June – Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Drive Hwy 410 about 4.5 miles past the turn-off to the National park boundary; find the trailhead on the left.

This is a demanding trail worthy of the effort it takes to get there. Views of Mt. Rainier, wildflowers and the site of a lookout of long ago. Your destination is the lovely Crystal Lakes and views of Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. On a clear day it seems you can see forever!

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Norse Peak
Length: 9.5 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs High Point: 6,848 ft Elevation Gain: 3,122 ft Season: July – Sept Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Near Crystal Mountain Resort, park beside Crystal Mountain Road (that is probably what the forest service would prefer). Road No. 410 is where the hike begins.

One of the most idyllic hikes anywhere is to the top of Norse Peak, offering lovely alpine meadows, lakes, and scenic beauty all within a virtual stone's thrown of civilization, namely Crystal Mountain Ski Area

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Ranger Creek Trail
Length: 11.6 miles Hiking Time: 8 hrs High Point: 5,520 ft Elevation Gain: 2,720 ft Season: Mid May - Oct Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Head east on SR 410 and between milepost 54 and the Buck Creek Recreation area, park on the shoulder of the road (left side).

You can shorten this hike by turning back after seeing the views at Ranger Peak Viewpoint or the Ranger Creek Shelter where you'll find a perfect place for lunch. The views lie further ahead at the end where the trail meets the Dalles Ridge Trail.

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Summerland/Panhandle Gap
Length: 12 miles Hiking Time: 6.5 - 8 hrs High Point: 6,755 ft Elevation Gain: 3,177 ft Season: July – Oct Pet Friendly: No Pass: National Park Pass

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From the White River entrance of Mount Rainier National Park (via SR 410) drive about three miles to the trailhead and parking

If you can only do one section of the 9- mile Wonderland Trail, this is it. Be inspired by the beauty and renewed by the mountain air. Looking for wildflowers during the summer months? You will be glad you came here.

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Suntop Trail
Length: 8.3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs High Point: 5,270 ft Elevation Gain: 3,670 ft Season: June – Oct Pet Friendly: Yes Pass: NW Forest Pass

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Turn right onto Buck Creek Road No. 7160, cross the White River then turn left onto Road No. 7160(210) and continue about a mile to the signed Suntop trailhead.

The trail starts in old growth forest and ends at Suntop Lookout tower with an amazing 360 degree panorama view that includes Mt. Rainier. Old logging roads intersect the trail in several spots and allow for variations and further exploring.

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