Crystal Lakes
1 week ago
Trail snow-covered at times — gear and expertise recommended
4 this month · 52 reports
Sourdough Ridge
Mount Rainier Area
updated 1 month ago
The Sourdough Ridge trail is currently in good condition with no significant snow or major obstacles reported. The road to Sunrise and White River campground is suitable for all vehicles. While early reports from July mentioned bugs being an annoyance or terrible, by September 10 and October 3, reports indicated no bugs. Wildflowers were noted as great in July, though a report from July 24 mentioned they were a bit underwhelming due to dry conditions. Hikers have reported seeing wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, and marmots, particularly in July and August. Parking at Sunrise is generally available, though July 24 noted a wait at the entrance station.
Generated from 31 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Sourdough Ridge
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.
Nobody has reported on water crossings on Sourdough Ridge. The reports from July indicate that water levels in Frozen Lake were very low, suggesting that most water sources may be dry or minimal this time of year. It is advisable to carry plenty of water, as noted in the July 24 report where it stated there was no water for filtering on that trail.
The road to Sunrise and White River campground is currently reported as suitable for all vehicles. The most recent report on October 3 stated the road was suitable for all vehicles, with no issues mentioned.
Wildlife sightings have been frequently reported throughout the summer. Bears and cubs were seen on July 6, mountain goats and marmots on July 24, and elk trails were noted on September 10. While no specific wildlife was mentioned in the most recent October 3 report, it is common to see wildlife in this area.
More in Mount Rainier Area
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Fall color is vibrant, wildlife is active
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Shadow Lake - Sunrise Camp Loop
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Intermittent snow and fierce wind at summit
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Fremont Lookout
3 months ago
Aggressive chipmunks and mountain goats
57 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
I started out before sunrise. I parked at White River campground and hiked up to Sunrise. It was eerie and exciting to be the one and only person at Sunrise when I passed through. I continued up to So...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
I noticed the bicyclist I passed riding up heading back down while I walked along the Sourdough Trail. From that perspective, with no cars on the road or in the parking lot and no people to be seen, i...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
This was a tough one. 8.6 miles and 3k elevation gain. Lost the number of switchbacks. First stop al Lower Crystal, then another half mi. to Upper Crystal. After lunch and dipping my feet in the lake,...
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Bottom Line:Beautiful day hiking an inverted lollipop loop from Sunrise out to Third Burrough via Sunrise Rim Trail, and back via Sourdough Ridge. Goats, bears, marmots, pika and flowers! Stunning vie...
Older3 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
After parking at the Sunrise Point TH, we hiked the length of the Sourdough Ridge trail before descending a bit into Huckleberry Basin. Trail was a little dusty like normal and also uncrowded. The wil...
Older4 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
TL,DRQuiet mid-day weekday hike despite no timed entry this year. Clockwise loop is easier on the knees. Great wildflowers and wildlife (bear + cub, marmot, mountain goats, a Horned Lark). Bring poles...
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Me and my good climbing partner James left the sunrise parking lot at 12:30AM with the intention of making it to Curtis Ridge. This is a side of the mountain most don’t get the chance to appreciate up...
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
My hiking group had our first Sunrise / Mt Rainier hike of 2026!We had no wait going through the entrance station at 8:45.The Sunrise lot was 80% fun when we drove up at 9:30.The main bathrooms had no...
Older4 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Bluebird day. Conditions are maybe three weeks ahead of an average year for snowmelt and wildflowers. No snow on Sourdough Ridge trail to un-frozen Frozen Lake and down into the lush meadows and strea...
Older5 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Enjoyed a stunning hike and fun adventure today stitching together a few trails. After seeing some trip reports with multiple variations of getting up to Sunrise before the road opens, I headed out fr...