Skookum Flats
3 weeks ago
Skookum Falls are dry, only a trickle of drops
3 this month · 55 reports
Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap
Mount Rainier Area
updated 2 weeks ago
The Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap trail is currently in good condition with no significant snow or trail obstacles reported as of October 25. Hikers can expect to find mostly dry trails, though some shaded areas may hold moisture. The road to Chinook Pass is suitable for all vehicles, with parking availability noted as variable, often being busy on weekends. Fall colors are prominent, with reports of reds and other vibrant hues noted as recently as October 13. Bugs have not been a significant issue, though a yellow jacket nest was reported near the lake on October 3.
Generated from 76 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The trail is reported to be in good condition with no snow as of October 25. Minor obstacles are not posing significant problems for hikers.
The road to Chinook Pass is suitable for all vehicles. Parking at the trailhead can be very busy, especially on weekends, with some reports suggesting ample parking along the highway shoulder as a backup.
Bugs have generally not been a problem, with no bugs reported as of October 25. However, one report from October 3 mentioned a yellow jacket nest near Sheep Lake, and hikers were advised to be cautious.
The vault toilets at the Sheep Lake trailhead have been reported as locked or lacking toilet paper on multiple occasions, including October 3 and October 9. However, one report from October 13 noted they were cleaned and restocked later in the day.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Weather report said rain/snow mix. Definitely snowing. No need for snowshoes yet but sturdy boots and warm clothing recommended.
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
My hiking group went to Sheep Lake / Sourdough Gap for a great fall hike!We pulled into the Chinook Pass trailhead at 9:15 and 4 cars were in the TH lot.It was 37 degrees with mostly overcast skies.A ...
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Met with my hiking buddy between 9-9:30 am at the TH parking lot, which had plenty of empty spaces on a Tuesday morning. 2 of 4 toilets were operable and one even had toilet paper. Temperature was 35 ...
Recent4 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Spent the weekend in Yakima, taking 410 from the West side. We had planned this hike for Friday, but conditions around 10 am were low clouds and drizzle. We stopped at the trailhead and there were a...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
I decided to avoid the crowds at Ingalls and opted for an easier hike to Sheep Lake and Sourdough gap. I've done Larch hikes almost every year for the past several years and decided to give them a bre...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
We arrived at the Sheep Lake trail head around 10 AM and it was already packed! I knew we should have left earlier but that’s what happens when you leave late. I was grateful that we were doing Sheep ...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Beautiful hike! The only issue we ran into was a Yellowjacket nest right as you begin hiking the trail up to Sourdough Gap near the edge of the lake. My friend, my dog and I were all stung as we start...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Fall color has arrived! Not full on yet, but lots of reds to enjoy. Not too busy on a Friday. I was able to walk all around the lake, definitely muddy. Bathrooms in lot are locked.
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Fairly easy hike that starts from a very busy parking lot. I am always amazed at the beauty of this area. No matter how many times I come, it is striking. As is everyone else! The parking lots are usu...