The route to the top of Sun Top is often groomed for cross-country skiers, but snowshoers will still enjoy this trek. After all, the views are just as spectacular, and the winter landscape just as pretty, even when the trail has been leveled for skiers. Just stick to the edges of the road to avoid tromping on skiers' tracks, and take advantage of any opportunity to climb off the road and cross open meadows for maximum snowshoeing fun.
Attaining the summit of Sun Top requires considerable energy, but the workout is well rewarded with unmatched views of the country northwest of Mount Rainier. The White River valley stretches below the mountain, and Mount Rainier towers above. The lower section of the route is sometimes visited by the White River elk herd, so keep an eye out for the big beasts. This is also prime cougar country (due, in large part, to the presence of the elk). Seeing one of the big cats is a pleasure. Cougars pose little threat to adult humans, although kids shouldn't be allowed to run ahead. The odds of seeing a mountain lion are extremely low, but a couple lucky snowshoers have excitedly reported seeing the tawny cats streaking away from the road when the elk are nearby.

The route to the summit follows FR 7315. Snowshoe up the only road leaving the Sno-Park, pass the gate, and in a couple hundred feet, turn left up FR 7315. The road climbs steadily to the summit, and because of the frequent clearcuts encountered along the hike there are ample opportunities to stop, rest, and savor the scenery spread out before you. As the trail climbs the ridgeline, look down into the wide White River valley and the narrower, darker Huckleberry Creek basin. The best place to find elk is along the lower clearcuts, although from the higher clearcuts it's possible to look down into the open meadows along the rivers. Using a good pair of binoculars, scan the river meadows for the large herds that live in the White River drainage.

A few spur roads are found along the way, and these make nice diversions from the well-traveled main road. Snowshoe out along them for a new view, and then angle up through the trees and meadows to rejoin the main trail. By climbing straight through the larger clearcuts rather than following the looping road, you can save nearly a mile and enjoy some untracked snow.

Following the road all the way, it is 5 miles to a high bench below the summit of Sun Top. The summit approach requires crossing some serious avalanche slopes, so attempt the top only when conditions are stable and avalanche dangers are reported as low. For the best views south to Rainier, angle southwest around the bench about 400 yards to an open view of Mount Rainier and all the lesser peaks between.

Author’s Rating: More Difficult
Some previous snowshoe experience helpful. Some winter survival skills recommended (basic knowledge of avalanche evaluation, emergency shelter construction, etc.). Elevation gain is usually less than 1000 feet with a gradual slope.