We began our hike at Sunrise Point making this a 3 mile round trip hike with 856 ft elevation gain. When we first arrived at the peak, we could see Mt Baker and Glacier Peak to the North, but they soon disappeared when it appeared to be raining in the distance. The Goat Rocks and Mt Adams could be seen to the South, but views were hazy and there appeared to be smoke in the distance by Mt Adams. This was a good warming up hike for our 4 day week-end. After our hike we drove to the Sunrise Visitor Center which closed on Labor Day. The ranger told us they were going to be doing major water line repairs so the only facilities open will be the portable toilets near the backpacker's parking area.

Daughter KT was back from Grad school in Chicago and I was looking for a hike that would not re-injure my groin pull (two weeks old and slowly healing). I saw Dege Peak as a possible alternative and remembered it as a fun hike the last time I did it in the 1970’s with my younger brother. On Sunday my family and my younger brother’s family joined forces to walk to the top of Dege. The trails are in great shape and the weather Sunday was perfect, mild and partly sunny (temperatures were about 55 to 60 degrees). Mountain flowers were out in surprising profusion, but may not last much more than another weekend. We saw Bear Grass, Paint Brush, Blue Bell, Lupine, Phlox, Mountain Daisy, and Alpine Aster on our trip. The views from Dege were super, with Mt. Rainier, Clover and Sunrise Lakes, McNeely Peak, Mt. Freemont, Burroughs Mt., Mt. St. Helens and lots of other areas in view. We also saw wildlife in the form of a Black Bear in the meadows southwest of Clover Lake and a Marmot on the top of Dege. Brother PCK was anxious to do more hiking in the area while our summer weather lasts. This is truly a great hike that does not require a lot of effort. I did note that the trail to Dege steepens significantly the last 0.1 miles and can be tricky to go down in tennis shoes (KT did not have hiking boots). Trail did not cause me any problems with additional injury to my groin muscle.

This is a gorgeous hike. Short and sweet and perfect for kids. I had 3 with me and, my mom too. The view of Mt. Rainier is absolutely glorious! You can also see Mt. Adams and many other peaks, lakes, etc. The trail starts at Sunrise, heading away from the mountain, following the Sourdough Ridge Trail. The trail is in great shape. Lots of mosquitoes, lots of wildflowers. We spied a couple of marmots too! Enjoyed some ice cream at Sunrise afterwards to reward their effort. RT: 3.2 miles Gain: 600'

The road to Sunrise is completely bare. In fact, there is little snow near the road. One pile near the parking lot provides some snowball material. The nature trail under Antler Peak heads gently up to the ridge, then trail follows the ridge to Dege Peak. There is a little snow, but no problem to walk on with any footwear. We dropped down to Sunrise Point to the waiting car for a nice 3 mile walk.