Fremont Lookout — Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

We decided to follow the crowds up to Sunrise. The parking lot was full, but once we got up past Frozen Lake it was much quieter--only a few parties decided to make the trek up to the lookout. There's little shade, so it was HOT on the trail; hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen a definite must! Also--black flies. Many of them, all with the intent to make a hiker crazy. We had bug spray but they didn't seemed phased by it. However, the meadows were beautiful with blooming wildflowers and there were reports of bears in the valleys. (We didn't see them, but everyone else did, apparently. Bring your binocs.) It was a little hazy at the lookout, but I could see the Olympics if I squinted, and the lookout deck provides a great view of the Cascades, haze or not.