Trail: Dege Peak
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Distance: ~4 miles round trip
Conditions: Clear and cool
Trailhead: Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park
Elevation Gain: ~600 feet
I started my hike from the main parking lot near the Sunrise Visitor Center around 6:30 AM. It was just under 50°F—cool, clear, and peaceful. Visibility was excellent throughout the morning, with sweeping alpine views and blue skies. I started the hike with this gorgeous early morning light. By late morning, clouds began to roll in and wrap the ridge in soft light, muting the scenery but adding a different kind of beauty.
The trail is in great shape—dry, snow-free, no blowdowns, and minimal bugs. I had one persistent insect trail me for a few minutes, but bug spray kept the rest at bay. No need for a head net. There wasn’t much wind, and the trail was dust-free—no need for sunglasses either.
Surprisingly, I saw fewer than a dozen other hikers. On a Saturday in July, that felt like solitude.
This was a redemption hike for me. Years ago, as a rookie hiker with a fear of heights, I turned back at a section of trail that overwhelmed my nerves and inexperience. The drop-offs felt intimidating, and I didn’t trust my footing. This time, I recognized those same sections but moved through them with steady steps and a calm mind. My heart still raced as I neared the summit, but I kept going—and made it. A fellow hiker snapped a photo of me at the top, arms raised and grinning. It felt like a full-circle moment, and a personal high point in more ways than one.
Wildflowers: Paintbrush, pasqueflower seedheads, bistort, arnica, sitka valerian, lupine, phlox, red columbine, asters, bracted lousewort, mountain heather, bluebells, yarrow, and penstemon. A spectacular wildflower day.
Wildlife: a serenade from a Clark’s Nutcracker and one Townsend’s Chipmunk scampering around at the top.
Dege Peak offers big rewards for a modest effort—and for me, the added satisfaction of overcoming a past hesitation. Highly recommended.
Comments
Jennifer G on Dege Peak
Check out Emmons Moraine starting at White River campground. It's a gem!
Posted by:
Jennifer G on Jul 27, 2025 09:24 AM
M.Anderson on Dege Peak
Yes! You're right. That whole area is a gem. I’ve always wanted to get up to the top of that hill at Emmons Moraine to see the lake on the other side. It’s been on my mental “next time” list for a while.
I was back in the area recently—I hiked Glacier Basin two weeks ago. I love that spot. But anything resembling a scramble, or a narrow trail with loose rock, spikes my anxiety fast. No shame in it—just how I’m wired.
After crossing the bridge this time, I made it halfway up the hill. That’s farther than I got before, so… progress. Slightly winded, moderately proud, mildly annoyed at gravity. Maybe one of these days I’ll make it all the way to the top. And when I do, I just know that lake will be spectacular. :)
Posted by:
M.Anderson on Jul 27, 2025 09:41 AM
Chasingsunsets on Dege Peak
Thank you for sharing your triumph. As someone who also struggles with acrophobia, and hesitates and sometimes turns around at places that others hike on by without a second thought, I very much related to your post. And I have also felt that sense of redemption and personal accomplishment when doing things that are challenging for me, so I am celebrating your achievement!
Posted by:
Chasingsunsets on Jul 27, 2025 10:12 AM
lpick10 on Dege Peak
Congrats! Coming back and finishing a hike you couldn't previously is the best feeling! Beautiful pics, I'm going to be doing this in a couple of weeks :)
Posted by:
lpick10 on Jul 27, 2025 06:08 PM