Trip Report for Dege Peak (and Sourdough Trail from Dege to Sunrise Visitor Center). 9/16/23
Have wanted to do a sunrise hike for a few years but lining up all the weather, driving, early-morning (basically middle-of-the-night) alarm clock had to be coordinated. Have been watching reports about Fremont Lookout and didn’t want to join the parade that goes there every weekend. If you want an alternative, Dege Peak will deliver.
We parked in the Sunrise POINT overlook at 4:30am and walked across the street to the trailhead. Plenty of parking available, only about 6 cars in the lot, but many passing us to go to Sunrise Visitor Center/Lodge. The trail pretty much just goes up up, up for the 1.5 miles along the ridge. Of course in the dark with headlamps all we could see was the path in front of us and didn't realize the amazing views on each side until our return in the daylight. The trail was a bit dusty and also on the return we noticed some of the colors are starting to show on the blueberry (I think) plants.
The trail switchbacks at one mile to Dege for another .3 miles with a false summit about half way up. Great views here but keep to the left and continue climbing to reach the top.
The top is fairly small (compared to Fremont) but plenty of space to share. We had it for about 20 minutes to ourselves and then only another 5 people total joined to watch the sun rise. And what a view with the sun rising to the East and Rainier/Tahoma directly behind.
We then went back to the Dege Peak / Sourdough intersection and continued on to Sunrise Visitor Center/Lodge. The parking lot at 8:30am was jam packed. Restrooms open (but a sign on the door said bring your own T.P.). (True). The snack bar and visitor center was closed.
We returned back up Sourdough and continued to the Sunrise Point parking lot. Noticed the wildflowers are almost done - still a few beargrass here and there and purple asters dotting the landscape. A few yellow jackets buzzing around when we stood still - all likely due to the warm September temps we are having. A ranger even pointed out a mountain goat in the distance about half way back to the Sunrise Point lookout.
Overall, we felt this hike had maximum views (on all sides) for fairly minimal effort. It does have some elevation gain (made us sweat) - and lots of water recommended for summer months since the majority of it is exposed - but for all the climbing and few miles, it has endless scenic views. In total, we logged 7 miles, out and back with the Dege Peak spur. We took our time at Sunrise Visitor Center to have pre packed breakfast and coffee, and also sat at Dege Peak for almost 90 minutes watching the sun rise. Without all these stops it would likely take about 2 - 3 or so hours total we estimate.
When we left the Sunrise Point parking lot and made our way down to the Sunrise entrance about 11:30am, we counted 97 cars in line to get into the entrance! And more cars turning in off of Rt 410. Recommendation - arrive early early early or don’t even try after 10am on a beautiful sunny Saturday. We wonder if those cars were even allowed entry - there just isn’t enough parking at the top.
So glad we did this hike - its worth it any time of day, but especially happy to have finally gotten in the sunrise hike. This hike delivered!
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