The stars aligned perfectly for a last outing at Sunrise this season: culvert work completed on SR 410 so road was open at milepost 55, Sunrise road was open in the park, recent snow on trails was all melted and dust dampened down, skies were clear above the lowland fog.  Sourdough Ridge, Fremont Lookout, Burroughs, Sunrise Rim and Shadow Lake trails are in great condition. The Freemont lookout tower and the facilities at Sunrise are all buttoned up for winter except for the vault toilets between the day lodge and gravel parking lot. Sunrise road closes October 10.

Wildlife I heard about but didn't see: the silver-tipped black Cascade fox, a couple of solo mountain goats, and elk bugling out towards Grand Park. Wildlife I did see: chipmunks, ground squirrels, Clark's nuthatches. Not-so-wildlife: a carrier pigeon with two bands, hanging around the parking lot. I reported the pigeon to a ranger who knew a lot about these birds and said they would try to capture it, read the tags, and notify the owner.

Starting from Sunrise we took the Sunrise Rim and then the Burroughs Loop Trail. Mount Rainier was "out" in full morning sun until we began to climb past Shadow Lake. By the time we got to the Emmons Glacier Overlook it was obscured by clouds and remained so most of the day. The clouds did add a definite character to the lighting experience of the day because the lower portion of Rainier's ice and snow was a highlighted band of forms. It was very apparent at the Emmons Overlook where the glacier, the White River and a small emerald lake were in the sun.

We continued up on the Burroughs Loop Trail to the First Burroughs. We talked to a volunteer ranger there who said that it was possible that the Paradise Road could be closed this coming weekend due to a snow storm coming in-possibly a foot of snow on the Burroughs and other high points.

It was on to Second Burroughs where the clouds and wind made us put on all the layers we had after just having a tee-shirt for a top layer. I planned to stay at there or work my way back as my partner went on to on Third Burroughs but the visibility and wind was a deterrent and he decided it would have to wait until next year. We had our lunch and were more than closely observed by the Burroughs Chipmunk Gang.  

We headed back down to Frozen Lake and the Sourdough Ridge Trail and it was tee-shirt time again and Rainier emerged somewhat from the clouds but now backlit with an overall grey look. It had been like a time machine trip in different climates and terrain the whole day. Absolutely an incredible experience.

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! 

This was a 9.6 mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day Hike in Washington @ Mount Rainier National Park, focusing on the North Section of Mount Rainier National Park, This was Hiked on 9/16/2023, it was a beautiful blue sky day for the first half before the weather started to turn, it was moderately windy, and there were absolutely no mosquitoes!

Segment #1 of 2 (THIS VIDEO) - Starts @ Sunrise Rim Trailhead Hiking South doing an "Upside Down Lollipop" Hiking Route, doing a quick Hiking Hack Reverse Direction to Emmons Vista Viewpoint to the Left before getting back on our Main Trail to the Right and Hiking to Wonderland Trail, Shadow Lake, Sunrise Comfort Station (Restrooms) at the critical Trail Junction with Burroughs Mountain Trail, and ultimately Hikes up the first part of Burroughs Mountain Trail to Glacier Overlook! There were multiple Marmots hanging out at Glacier Overlook admiring the Incredible Panoramic View and MAKING MARMOT SOUNDS! Here is Segment #1 of 2:

https://youtu.be/79lPFjkRY3g

Segment #2 of 2 - Starts where Segment #1 left off @ Glacier Overlook and ascends Burroughs Mountain Trail to 1st Burroughs Mountain and 2nd Burroughs Mountain Summits, turning around as clouds were moving in and the weather was turning and returning a different route via Frozen Lake and Sourdough Ridge (hence the "upside down lollipop" Hiking route) ultimately Hiking back down to Sunrise Rim Zone from the North side of Sunrise. Here is Segment #2 of 2:

https://youtu.be/qGGZN1zzNa4

Here is the FULL PLAYLIST:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmiBR2sDrAgw8-uIhanX3cc

This was a 9.6 mile, 2600 FT Elevation Gain Day Hike in Washington @ Mount Rainier National Park, focusing on the North Section of Mount Rainier National Park, This was Hiked on 9/16/2023, it was a beautiful blue sky day for the first half before the weather started to turn, it was moderately windy, and there were absolutely no mosquitoes!

Segment #1 of 2 - Starts @ Sunrise Rim Trailhead Hiking South doing an "Upside Down Lollipop" Hiking Route, doing a quick Hiking Hack Reverse Direction to Emmons Vista Viewpoint to the Left before getting back on our Main Trail to the Right and Hiking to Wonderland Trail, Shadow Lake, Sunrise Comfort Station (Restrooms) at the critical Trail Junction with Burroughs Mountain Trail, and ultimately Hikes up the first part of Burroughs Mountain Trail to Glacier Overlook! There were multiple Marmots hanging out at Glacier Overlook admiring the Incredible Panoramic View and MAKING MARMOT SOUNDS! Here is Segment #1 of 2:

https://youtu.be/79lPFjkRY3g

Segment #2 of 2 (THIS VIDEO) - Starts where Segment #1 left off @ Glacier Overlook and ascends Burroughs Mountain Trail to 1st Burroughs Mountain and 2nd Burroughs Mountain Summits, turning around as clouds were moving in and the weather was turning and returning a different route via Frozen Lake and Sourdough Ridge (hence the "upside down lollipop" Hiking route) ultimately Hiking back down to Sunrise Rim Zone from the North side of Sunrise. Here is Segment #2 of 2:

https://youtu.be/qGGZN1zzNa4

Here is the FULL PLAYLIST:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGUSVzluAAmiBR2sDrAgw8-uIhanX3cc