Dege Peak has become my favorite WA hike yet! Outstanding views of Mt. Rainier (and occasional great views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Baker, if the weather is clear enough), wildflowers of all colors at many spots on the trail, and just the right length. It took us about 2 hours and 15 minutes to hike, which was perfect for a shorter day hike. It's exposed almost the entire way up, so you get panoramic views basically the whole time. Also, despite the Sunrise Visitor Center being quite crowded, we had the trail to ourselves for much of the hike. There were a couple of small issues - they didn't detract from our time at all, but other hikers may want to know about these. First, there was a short wait to get into the sunrise area. It was advertised as a long wait, but only took about 20 minutes. Second, there were a couple of spots with snow on the trail. We were able to pass most of these easily, but one had enough snow to make crossing a little sketchy. Otherwise, the trail is really well-maintained and smooth. Last, there were a lot of bugs, especially at the top. We didn't really have a problem with the bugs, except after we had been at the top for a while. Most of the bugs were butterflies, which was really neat. Since Dege Peak is at a higher elevation than many day hikes in the cascades (with the highest point at 7006'), it was good that we picked a shorter hike like this. I noticed that I got out of breath more quickly and more often than usual. Anyway, it's a really beautiful hike, and appropriate for many ages and abilities. We will definitely go back!

This was a wonderful 5 mile hike with the elevation being gained sitting in your car driving up to the Sunrise parking lot. The trail forks right at the first junction above the parking lot which separates you from most hikers, as they part to hike other trails. The views on this trail are non-stop in every direction. Walking the ridge at 7000’ feet and being surrounded by mountain peaks and green valleys and lakes puts you near the top of the cascade range. Wildflowers were still out but the majority have turned to seed. At the Dege Peak summit we encountered an explosion of lady bugs. I found myself needing to brush them off my lunch and sun glasses. We met three other couples on the trail and all commented on what an splendid hike this was. I would highly recommend putting this hike on your list.

Hike a thon #10, only one week left i'm getting closer to my 100 mile goal. Weather was ify this morning and i started at sunrise point for a couple miles to dege peak but clouds rolled in and there was no point going all the way, so back in the car to park at main parking lot and down to berkeley park i went. I'll do another report on that one.

What a perfect day for a hike. Leaving Seattle it was overcast, but by the time we got to Sunrise, the sun was out. It wasn't too hot and wasn't too cold. Hiking today was mom, son 10, and son 6. We started at about 9:45 and were done by about 1:30. This was the first of the season hike for the boys, so lots of breaks were to be had. The views were unbelievable!!! The trail up to Dege Peak is now signed so it was not possible to miss the trail. The wildflowers are so pretty and will get better over the next week or so. It was a bit dusty with no rain lately. We didn't encounter any animals, but signs posted down at the visitor center warn of bears in the area. Only downside was the bugs. They were swarming around us when we stopped to eat lunch. We hurried through lunch and almost raced back down to get away from them. Not many people on this trail, probably passed about a dozen groups at various points. Most people seemed to be headed toward the Fire Lookout. Great trail for a break from the crowds and amazing views.

This was originally a lark. My plan was to go up to Sunrise and watch/photograph the sunrise and go home (my knees were still sore from my recent hikes and a run I had gone on with my National Guard unit). Let me tell you, it gets really cold up there at 6400 ft at 5:45 in the morning! I was just glad that I had brought my 10 essentials with me, as I ended up using all of my extra clothing to stay warm! I was so inspired by the Sunrise that I tooled around the Visitor Center (closed for the season) and saw that there was this short, 1.5 mi Nature Hike. So I started up, it was a pretty easy hike, and I was stopping every few feet to take pictures. The views were like nothing I've ever seen before. OK, I'd been to Sunrise once before, but it was a very short visit and I didn't have a chance to hike around. I was maybe a half mile into it when I saw the sign saying Dege Peak trail 1.4 mi, and decided what the heck, why not? So I trundled along, knees complaining moderately and got to see fantastic view after fantastic view. Let me tell you, getting up to the top Dege Peak, AND discovering that I somehow had cell reception was the high point of my morning, as I began sending picture messages out to all of my friends and family! After an early lunch (9am), I headed back down. to finish the nature trail. All told, it was the best 4.3 mile hike ever! I'm definitely planning on going back up there and checking out the other trails because I'm pretty sure they're awesome too :)