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.

Easy
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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