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Mount Fremont Lookout

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.8 (30)
  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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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 30 votes

#2

in Sunrise

#356

Overall
  4.8 from 30 votes
5 Star
83%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Sunrise

#32

in Washington

#356

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,659 Since Mar 5, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
4%
0%
46%
29%
21%
0%
Add a Photo

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 17, 2025
Lily Adams
Sep 6, 2025
Austin Hewatt
Beautiful views and surprisingly clear skies. Rainer was really showing off. — 2h 43m
Aug 8, 2025
John Eun
Jul 26, 2025
Lara Verbecken
Jul 14, 2025
Maddie Conlin
Combined with Burroughs
Sep 5, 2024
Michael Young
Jul 4, 2024
Tom Herr
We saw 19 mountain goats on our way up. It was a steady up, but not too rough. Great vista of Grant Park from the observation tower. Must do! 6mi
Sep 15, 2023
Sara Becker
Fire house lookout, saw mountain goats 5.8mi — 2h 51m

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