Summerland - Panhandle Gap
Mountain goats frequent the gap
9 this month · 65 reports
Mount Rainier Area
The trail to Fremont Lookout is in excellent condition, with no snow reported as of early August. The road leading to Sunrise is suitable for all vehicles, and parking at the Sunrise Visitor Center can be challenging, with lots often filling up by mid-morning, July 12, July 9. Hikers should be aware of potential delays entering the park during peak times. Wildlife is frequently sighted, including marmots, pikas, chipmunks, and occasional bears and mountain goats. The trail is largely exposed with little shade, so sun protection is recommended, July 12.
Generated from 57 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
Wildlife is frequently observed. Marmots and aggressive chipmunks are common, especially near the lookout. Mountain goats have been seen on the far side of the lookout, and bears have been spotted in valleys below the trail, July 9. Foxes and various birds were also reported.
Parking at the Sunrise Visitor Center lot can be challenging, often filling up by mid-morning, July 12. Rangers manage entry when the lot is full, allowing one car in for each car that leaves, which can result in wait times, July 12. Arriving early, such as by 7 am, can improve your chances of finding a spot.
The trail to Fremont Lookout is largely exposed with very little shade, July 12. Hikers are advised to be prepared for sun exposure, especially on clear days, and to use sun protection like hats.
According to reports from July, there is no water on the trail for filtering, so hikers should carry all necessary water with them. Some reports mention small bridges over dry or almost-dry streambeds.
Mountain goats frequent the gap
9 this month · 65 reports
Fall color arriving at upper lake
8 this month · 48 reports
Late season wildflowers still brilliant
6 this month · 36 reports
Mountain views and a chance to see goats
5 this month · 93 reports
Marmot couples seen, bear activity reported
5 this month · 18 reports
Mountain goats spotted on rocky peaks
3 this month · 16 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
The trail was lovely and above the smoke! The views were a little smoky in the distance, and in the afternoon/evening Rainier was hazy from smoke, but overall a very lovely day to hike here and the tr...
Started the trail at around 6:30 and we were back at the visitor center at around 10:30. Lots of people coming down as it is a popular place to watch the sunrise. My daughter and I are not in such goo...
Beautiful weather for a hike in Mount Rainier National Park. When we arrived about 8:30, the parking was about 80% full. However the trail to Fremont Lookout wasn't too busy. Lots of Marmots on the...
Summary Information: Fantastic outing. Total ascent: 2,578 ft. Total descent: 2,579 ft. Distance: ~11.05 miles. High points for Skyscraper and Fremont LO (according to 'peakbagger') 7,081.4 and 7,1...
Left West Seattle around 7:40 am knowing I'd have to wait a bit to gain entry into the NPS entrance at Sunrise. Pulled into the line of cars around 9:45 am - my car made it inbeforethe "1 hour wait fr...
Bottom Line:Perfect hike for out-of-town visitors after a quick dinner in Enumclaw (The Mint). Although the weather did not look that promising, we decided to give it a go. It was stormy for sure - da...
A beautiful summer hike with later-blooming wildflowers still on display! Thank you meadow restoration volunteers of the past and Park volunteers of the present!The trail was in fine condition, marmot...
Made it up early for another stunning sunrise with a modest crowd on a clear summer Monday.I arrived to the Sunrise Visitor Center parking lot at 3:30 AM after a dark but uneventful drive up. There we...
A fantastic day at Mount Rainier! Sunrise Rim -> First, Second, Third Burroughs -> Fremont Lookout -> back.There were about 5 or 6 cars in front of us at the Sunrise entrance gate when we arrived arou...
Sunset hike to Fremont Lookout.after doing nothing for over 2 weeks and just chugging beer while watching WC games, I thought of doing this easy one.There were a few people on the trail, but not crowd...