Grand Park via Sunrise — Monday, Aug. 12, 2024

A beautiful hike with a chance for solitude near Sunrise! I suppose this is nearing the end of wildflower season as I could see many flowers have already gone to seed, but there is still a dazzling beautiful display. Berkeley Park is so wonderfully lush as the trail follows the babbling creek, and then after a forested section of ups and downs you pop out at the wide open Grand Park. I only went as far as the intersection with the Lake Eleanor trail but I think I could have walked a little farther along across Grand Park for a more open view back at Rainier. This route, turning around at that intersection, was 12 miles round trip. It is good to keep in mind that all the elevation gain is on the way back, so remember to conserve some energy, snacks and water to make it back up to the parking lot!