Skyscraper Mountain, Skyscraper Pass — Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024

Mountain goats, marmots, and pika oh my!
The wildlife was out and about on this gorgeous and easy hike.

The wildlife was definitely the highlight, along with lunch practically in the lap of Mount Rainier. We got to the trailhead at about 9 AM and there was still plenty of parking but it was rapidly filling. Crowds leaving the lot onto various trails were heavy but thinned out once we got some distance. After splitting off from the Wonderland Trail we only saw a few groups of hikers.

It's hard to believe that Skyscraper mountain itself isn't isn't a maintained trail; the short amount of switchbacks are well defined and easy to follow, and there was plenty of room at the top for us to spread out and take in the view of Mount Rainier on one side and the fire lookout on the far ridge on the other.

Wildflowers and berries are gone and we got this in shortly before they closed the road.


Apple Watch stats:
8.4 miles
2100' gain
4 hours including lunch