Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap
2 days ago
Fall colors are outstanding right now
12 this month · 66 reports
Suntop Lookout
Mount Rainier Area
updated 1 month ago
The road to Suntop Lookout is generally passable, though reports vary on its condition. While some describe it as suitable for all vehicles, others note it is rough with potholes and sharp rocks, especially the last few miles before the summit, July 9, July 8. Even a Subaru was cautioned against driving the final section. The trail itself is short and steep, with some loose dirt and rocks, July 7. Wildflowers are largely finished for the season. Active volunteers are often present at the lookout, offering a welcoming presence and sometimes sharing binoculars, July 27, July 12, July 9.
Generated from 25 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Suntop Lookout
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.
Reports vary on the road condition. Some describe it as suitable for all vehicles, while others note it is rough with potholes and sharp rocks, particularly in the last few miles. Even a Subaru was cautioned against driving the final section.
The trail is generally in good condition, but it is short and steep. It can have loose dirt and rocks, making it challenging for some hikers, especially with young children, July 7.
Wildflowers are mostly past their prime for the season, with reports from late July indicating they are done.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
As of 8/11 the road is closed. Talked to the forest ranger and said it won’t reopen for a few weeks.
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
We had to meet up with another friend this morning so we ended up getting a really late start, and we didn't get to the trailhead until 10:30am. The forest road is in excellent shape for the most part...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Short steepish hike to a beautiful lookout. The lookout was open and staffed. Thank you to the nice lady and others who volunteer to do this work. It is very important, especially with what happened w...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Began our hike at 5pm on Wednesday from the lower parking lot near the top. 65F outside and partly cloudy. There were two other cars in the lower lot (might fit 7-10 cars total) when we arrived and no...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Today was our annual birthday celebration at Suntop Lookout. We parked 1 mile from the Lookout, below the last gate. The trail is dusty and dry, wild flowers are pretty much done. No berries to be see...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Hiked the short trail with an 8 and 4.75 year old. Trail is kid-friendly in that it is short and probably doable for many ages. But it is quite steep and also narrow/rutted/loose rock and so with an o...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
I arrived to a completely empty lot around 3 p.m. on a sunny Thursday. There are a few Suntop trail signs, so make sure you follow the Suntop Lookout trail as described in the WTA directions. I parked...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
We went to Suntop Lookout today and hiked Skookum Flats. The last 2 driving miles up to Suntop Lookout are super rutted and large rocks are exposed. I would not attempt driving up here in a low clea...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
We drove up to Suntop Lookout. The gate was open all the way to the top. The road overall is fine, some potholes but nothing major. But when you pass the last gate, everything gets way worse. Lots of ...
Older3 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Upper gate closed, so we hiked up from the lower parking lot. A short hike, but challenging if you’re not used to the elevation. Overall the trail was clear and easy to follow, no snow. Views at the s...