#hikeathon

Arrived just after 7 PM for a sunset hike. The parking lot was pretty full. The hike is straightforward from the visitor center parking lot, following signs for Fremont Lookout. 

We were stuck in a cloud for most of the way up, but held out hope for a great sunset and it delivered! The rolling clouds were stunning. There was a full moon, but you could still see quite a few stars. 

This hike is fairly easy, the elevation gain isn't bad and its less than 6 miles RT. The views of Rainier are well worth it. 

Entered the Sunrise checkpoint at 6:50am (note that the entry is about a 30 min away from the actual Sunrise visitor center, which makes a difference when figuring out when you will enter the park). Entry is technically free today, celebrating the Great American Outdoors Act, but the ranger happily checked my America the Beautiful pass and timed entry pass (which I got just in case I was past the 7am deadline). I arrived at the lot around 7:20am and it was about half full. There were clouds in the lowlands, but clear at Sunrise! 

I hiked the Sunrise Rim trail to Burroughs - highly recommend this route, as the mountain is in your view the whole way up, and you can make a loop back to the visitors center. I don't have much to add to other reports. The flowers were popping along sunrise rim trail and I only saw a few people. Pack layers - it was in the low 40s when I started and breezy on the trail, windiest at 2nd Burroughs, but amazingly calm at 3rd Burroughs. I loved seeing the clouds dance around the mountain and felt lucky it was a cooler day, as this is a very exposed hike. Bring all your water, there is none along the way. Bugs were non existent except for some wasps at the very top. I also saw the largest group of mountain goats ever between the 2nd and 3rd Burroughs - maybe 20! 

On the way down I took the trail to frozen lake intersection and then up to Fremont lookout, this was the most crowded part of the hike and the chipmunks are fierce at the top - watch out for your bag and snacks! The clouds obscured the mountain, but would clear enough to see the mountain! I then took the Sourdough ridge trail back to the parking lot, which was completely full. 

I ran to Fremont Lookout from Sunrise, a great run! Trail was mostly dirt for the first mile, then most of the next 1.8 miles or so was rocky. A bunch of people out there enjoying the hazy morning at ~7:30 am.

Fremont Lookout at Sunset:

This was truly one of the most spectacular hikes we've ever experienced. We timed our trek to reach Fremont Lookout for sunset, and it was absolutely magical. Despite the late hour, the trail was quite busy, unsurprising, given its popularity for both sunrise and sunset views.

The trail is in excellent condition, making the journey smooth and enjoyable. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot a flock of mountain goats, which added a touch of wilderness charm to the adventure. The views throughout the hike with wildflowers, especially of the basin and surrounding peaks, were simply breathtaking.

As we reached the lookout, we found ourselves above the clouds, watching the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of color. It was one of those moments you wish could last forever, peaceful, and unforgettable.

Arrived at the parking lot around 7:30 am, found a spot to park easily. Seems like folks who watched the sunrise were leaving.

Some smoke and haze that dissipated, gorgeous day on the trail.

Highlight was seeing a few dozen mountain goats around the junction with the burroughs trail!