Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Rainier National Park

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation

341 m

Distance

9.2 km

Duration

2.5-3.5h

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Fremont Lookout Trail

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Route description
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Route information
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Watchmen used to watch for wildfires from the cabin atop Mount Fremont, but now the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail serves to give you an excellent vantage point over Grand Peak, Redstone Peak, and Skyscraper Mountain. This 5.6mi moderate hike follows Sourdough Ridge to the pretty Frozen Lake before branching off and ascending Mount Fremont to the lookout. With a new and improved stair system built into the rocky, steep portion of this trail, the approach to the top has become more reliable and easier to navigate. Take this perfect half-day hike in Rainier National Park for great views and just enough of a challenge!

Route Description for Fremont Lookout Trail

The Fremont Lookout Trail is a fantastic moderate hike, providing a bit of a physical challenge that’s rewarded by views of several peaks from the lookout. There have been stairs added to aid in navigating the final roky stretch to the peak, but care should still be taken while traversing the rocks prior to and after the stairs.

From the Sunrise Visitor Center, head west on the Sourdough Ridge Trail to the Frozen Lake Junction. Nice views of Rainier pop out here. You can detour down to Frozen Lake if you’d like- it’s only a short ways away. To do so, descend down the trail to the left. Frozen Lake supplies drinking water to much of the surrounding area.

If you’re not in the mood for a detour, stay right and hike uphill past the lake. Continue for 2.1 km, walking up the steps that cover the steepest portion of the trail and taking care over boulders and rocks. The steps were installed in the summer of 2017 and make this portion easier and safer to complete.

From the lookout, enjoy panoramic views of Redstone Mountain, Grand Park, Skyscraper, and Berkeley Peak. The view is truly impressive, and this is a perfect place to enjoy lunch on a nice day.
Once you’re ready, retrace your steps back to the Sunrise Visitor Center.

Insider Hints for Fremont Lookout Trail

Bring binoculars to spot the wildlife that frequent the meadows visible from the lookout.

Getting to the Fremont Lookout Trail Trailhead

To get to the trailhead for the Fremont Lookout hike from Enumclaw, take State Route 410 east for 43.0mi. Once you reach Sunrise Park Road, make a slight right at the fork and drive for 5.0mi. Follow the switchbacks, where after 10.0mi you’ll arrive at the Sunrise Visitor Center and the parking lot.

Route Information

Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
June-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Extreme
Route Type:
Out and back