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Mount Fremont

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.8 (19) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. …Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Sunrise
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“A lovely hike to an old firetower atop Mount Fremont. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

6.0

Miles

9.7

KM

Out and Back

7,166' 2,184 m

High

6,403' 1,952 m

Low

1,016' 310 m

Up

1,016' 310 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This hike begins and ends at one of the most popular areas in the park and dips its toes into some of the best surrounding attractions. Sourdough Ridge, Frozen Lake and, of course, Mount Fremont are visited.

Description

From the Sunrise Parking area, take the Sourdough Ridge Access trail to the Sourdough Ridge Connector and turn left. Once on Sourdough Ridge, Views of the White River Valley, Rainier and lush green surroundings abound as you hike.

At mile 3.3, the Huckleberry Creek Trail will branch off to the right (North) and descend steeply from the ridge. Stay straight to keep on the Sourdough Ridge Trail. The final stretch of the trail descends and contours to a terminus at Frozen Lake.

The trail to Mt. Fremont traverses the west side of a rocky ridge for 1.4 miles to a fire lookout built in the 1930s.

Beginning with a slight descent and flat section, the trail quickly transitions to a steep ascent to gain the ridge. Once atop the ridge, the trail traverses to the north and eventually terminates at the Mt. Fremont fire lookout. On a clear day, hikers can enjoy superb views of Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains. North of the lookout lies the spectacular meadows of Grand Park.

Flora & Fauna

Open forest and meadows predominate for most of this route. During the height of summer, the flowering meadows of Spray Park rival the beauty of any in the park.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Mount Rainier National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 19 votes

#2

in Sunrise

#481

Overall
  4.8 from 19 votes
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4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Sunrise

#40

in Washington

#481

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,548 Since Mar 5, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

A view of Mount Rainier from the trail.
Feb 9, 2016 near Eatonville, WA
The rocky/scree slope ridge in the left foreground is Burroughs Mountain.
Aug 30, 2017 near Eatonville, WA
Mount Rainier from the Mt. Fremont Lookout Tower. It's a great view.
Feb 9, 2016 near Buckley, WA
Just gotta take a picture
Sep 23, 2018 near Greenwater, WA
Nearing Sunrise, on our descent on the Sourdough Ridge trail
Mar 5, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
The trail leading out to the Mount Fremont Lookout. It's rocky, but fairly easy. You'll notice it is exposed, so make sure you bring sunscreen.
Feb 5, 2016 near Eatonville, WA

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Check-Ins

Sep 12, 2021
Marie K
Sep 6, 2021
JH CX
7.3mi — 3h 37m
Aug 31, 2021
Michael Schieferecke
Nice hike to a fire lookout. very popular trail. 6.2mi — 3h 34m
Aug 10, 2021
Nick Mahowald
Beautiful sunrise hike. Clouds kinda ruined it. 6mi — 2h 30m
Jul 18, 2021
Sungyeal Kim
6mi
Jul 18, 2021
Scott Sabol
Jul 3, 2021
Marwa Choudry
4mi
Sep 3, 2020
Caitlin Laffey

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