This was one of the most scenic hikes we have been on! Minimal work for maximum views - the views really start on the drive in and continue along the entire hike. The drive from Seattle was a little long (~2.5-3 hrs) for a day hike but well worth it! The trail is easy to follow and the elevation gain is very manageable. It took us 3hr and 15 min of moving time with a 6 and 8 year old, plus time for a picnic dinner and lots of photos. 

If you're going on the weekend make sure to get your timed entry reservation for the Sunrise Corridor. We saw some people get turned away at the entrance for not having a reservation. 

It was very busy on this beautiful Saturday, especially near the trailhead and Sunrise. It is nice to see so many people enjoying the outdoors, but so disappointing seeing some ignoring all the signs to stay off the meadows. 

WOW... must do hike. Started at the main trail head behind the restroom in the main parking area. Followed Frozen lake trail, Amazing choice. You start with amazing views of mt Rainer as you follow the trail up some amazing peak views along the way. Was surprised on how much the land changes in this hike. And the Fremont Tower is amazing end destination. Hike was about 2hr there and 1.5 hr back along the frozen lake trail.

Wonderful hike over the last weekend of summer that definitely felt like fall. Starting to get a pop of color from the berry bushes along the trail which was very pretty. Some straggler mouse on a stick, lupine, paintbrush and aster though most flowers well past peak. It was hazy with a hint of smokiness in the air, but it didn’t bother me too much out there. Tons of wildlife today which was such a treat!! Saw 67 goats! Plus one lone goat the lookout. Also saw 8-10 Clark’s nutcrackers, 10+ chipmunks and 15+ ground squirrels. Also witnessed one completely 100% crawling into some lady’s bag, these things a nuts people please stop feeding them! They are so cute but they are getting more and more intense I couldn’t even sit down at the tower without one trying to crawl up my leg. Also saw 2 marmots. Probably my last trip to sunrise for the year, until next year!!!

Solo hike.

Trip there: I got to the parking lot around 3:30 am and there was plenty of parking right at the trailhead. I leapfrogged with some other hikers and when we reached the top a little after 5. There were only about ten of us total and more people trickled over time as we watched the sun rise for a few hours until it was well up over the mountains.

Trip back to the parking: The hike back down felt fresh and new since on the way up I couldn't see anything. There were definitely a lot more people on the way up but still plenty of parking when I got back. However, there was a long line to enter Sunrise.

Bugs: Didn't see any mosquitoes, but something did sting me in my eye because it was attracted to my headlamp and got stuck in my glasses.

Animals: Marmots, wild goats, ravens & chipmunks

A bit of frost overnight at Berkeley Park didn't keep us from enjoying this out and back backpack to Lake Eleanor.

Using Reservation.gov and after the Fairfax Bridge closure I had to make this one of last minute alternate plans in our basic backpacking course through The Tacoma Mountaineers. 

PARKING: At Sunrise for the next few days was really nice since their day time reservation is in effect. 

MEADOWS: Please remember it takes years from wildflowers to grow, stay out of the meadows.