Sunrise Rim Trail and Fremont Lookout

Route Description for Sunrise Rim Trail and Fremont Lookout

The Sunrise Rim Trail and Fremont Lookout packs a lot of unforgettable scenery into one hike. You’ll be able to enjoy Shadow Lake, Glacier Overlook, Sourdough Ridge, and more. The nature of the trail makes it very easy to turn around at any of the great viewpoints to shorten your hike, but we definitely recommend completing the lollipop for an exceptional experience. While the hike is moderately strenuous, it requires no technical skills. This guide describes this loop going clockwise, but you could do it in either direction.

From the Sunrise Parking Lot, take the trail on the south side of the lot. Shortly, you’ll come to a junction, where you’ll stay right. Enjoy subalpine meadows and trees as you hike to Shadow Lake 2.1 km from the trailhead. From the lake, you’ll pass Sunrise Camp and take on a moderate incline to a fantastic viewpoint called Glacier Overlook. Snap some photos of Mount Rainier, look for the impressive Emmons Glacier, and admire the small lakes all over. This is a stunning overlook and a good point to turn around if you want a shorter hike.

Continue on the increasingly steep trail, leaving the trees and beginning to hike over rockier terrain. You’ll notice the walls built to hold back the rocks on this section of the path. Take care to stay on the marked trail in this section, as the rock can be loose and unstable.

Just before arriving at the peak of 1st Burroughs, look for a viewpoint with large rocks. This is a good spot for lunch, as the view here is actually less obstructed than on the top of the mountain.

From the top of 1st Burroughs, continue 1.0 km to 2nd Burroughs. From here, head down to Frozen Lake. This portion of the loop offers nice views of Mount Fremont and you can even see Mount Baker in the distance. From the 5-way junction on the southwest corner of Frozen Lake, take the trail heading north (Mount Fremont Lookout Trail). This will lead you up to the astounding viewpoint. From the viewpoint, take the same trail back to the 5-way junction and take Sourdough Ridge Trail northeast. Stay right at the next three junctions, then left as you approach Sunrise again.