If your wish is to have a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier just for
yourself right before you, Skyscraper Mountain will grant your wish.
There was no one else, but myself, at the top of Skyscraper Mountain
when I was there...my wish granted!
The hike is easy to moderate over
all and mostly leveled with some ups and downs in a moderate grade. The
final push to the summit of Skyscraper is steep, but most hikers could
handle it....300 feet gain in less than a half mile. In addition to
Skyscraper Mountain, there are a few other options to explore en route
to/from Sunrise if you have extra time and stamina....Fremont Lookout,
Burroughs Mountain and Shadow Lake which is on the way to/from Sunrise.
The northeast side of Sunrise is mostly open range and there aren't many
trees to provide a shade along the trail. Bring enough water and
sunscreen. Luckily, there was a nice breeze when I hiked last Sunday.
This hike is a great outing for families and kids, and those who want to
have a taste of Wonderland trail, too. And of course, you can't take
your eyes off Mt. Rainier!
RT: 8.5 miles
Gain: 1,078'
Highest point: 7,078'
Driving Directions:
From Enumclaw, take State Route 410 to the Mount
Rainier National Park White River Entrance. Drive onto the Sunrise
Road and follow it 17 miles west to the large parking lot at the Sunrise visitor
center.
No comments:
Post a Comment