Mount Fremont Lookout Trail Experience in Mt. Rainier National Park

Experience the grandeur of Mt. Rainier National Park on the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, where scenic landscapes and historic sights combine for an unparalleled hiking adventure.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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$30 for a single vehicle entry to Mt. Rainier National Park
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Embark on the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail for an unforgettable journey through Mt. Rainier National Park, offering panoramic views and a historic fire lookout. Experience the grandeur of Mt. Rainier National Park on the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, where scenic landscapes and historic sights combine for an unparalleled hiking adventure. The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail offers an exhilarating yet accessible hike within the iconic Mt. Rainier National Park. Starting from the Sunrise Visitor Center, this trail guides you through diverse terrains, from gentle inclines to rocky paths, leading to the historic Mount Fremont Fire Lookout. At 7,214 feet, the lookout provides breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and its surrounding landscapes. This trail, suitable for moderate hikers, spans 5.7 miles round trip and features a 900-foot elevation gain. The experience is enriched by the potential sightings of local wildlife and the stunning backdrop of the park's natural beauty.

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For solo

For two

For groups

Outdoorsy

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Itinerary

Start at the Sunrise Visitor Center parking lot.
Follow signs for Frozen Lake to begin the trail.
Continue through a mix of inclines and relatively flat terrains.
Take a break at Frozen Lake, a good midway point.
Proceed to the final incline leading to the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout.
Enjoy the views and explore the lookout area.
Retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Location

Sunrise Visitor Center, Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304

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Packing List

Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support
Water bottle (plenty of water recommended)
Snacks for the hike
Hiking poles (optional, but useful for rocky areas)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Sunscreen and sunglasses

4.9 ● Google reviews

This place is great for a sunrise hike. It takes about 2 and half hours from Seattle. The hike is moderate, but the views are stunning. Recommend, but you would need torches for the night hike, and it tends to get cold, so make sure to bring out a light jacket.

Middle of August but the weather was in the mid 30s with light rain and some wind at the top. Not ideal conditions but it was a beautiful hike. Started at 730am so there wasn’t many people. On the hike back is when it started to pick up. Took about an hour each way, overall I’d say it’s an easy hike, only a few steep sections.

Short but challenging for newer hikers with rewarding views all the way up and down. Best if you time for last few hours of sun, but don’t get stuck in the dark! We got smoky air from forrest fires in Oregon, hopefully you get clean air with better views!

My friend and I woke up at 3 am and drove for an hour to reach the trailhead, eager to catch the sunrise. The effort paid off—the sunrise was breathtaking. We met some friendly people at the lookout, adding to the experience. The hike itself was relatively easy, with just a few steep sections at the beginning and end before reaching the lookout. On our way back, the trail started to get busier, highlighting the popularity of this spot. Overall, if you're in the Mount Rainier area or nearby, this hike is a must-do for its stunning sunrise views and manageable difficulty.

Such a beautiful hike! The trail is in great condition and the views impeccable. The level of difficulty for this hike is moderately challenging, it isn’t very fitting for trail running as the terrain is rocky and unstable in large portions of it. As for parking, there is plenty at the trailhead. There are also restrooms available next to the parking lot. This is a popular spot, expect to see lots of hikers along the way. Sunsets are amazing here, pictures are taken at the beginning of August.

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