Hike up a fire tower and watch the skies transform over mountains extending for miles while Mount Rainier sits behind you. If you only have time for one hike in the park, make it the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail. This hike will simply blow you away! 🤯
I recently got to do the Mount Fremont Lookout trail on my fourth visit to Mount Rainier National Park. This hike had been on my bucket list for years and the conditions were finally perfect for me to go. We went up for sunset and wow. 😱 This may be my favorite sunset hike I’ve ever done!
Colors reflect off the mountains and create a magical scene. From the top, you can see far beyond to the Olympic Mountains and the North Cascades. It feels like you’re on top of the world. 🌎
Now, planning to do the Mount Fremont Lookout trail can be tricky because it’s only accessible for a couple months a year and you may need timed entry permits. So, I’ve created this guide to help you plan your hike. It includes everything you need to know including a trail description, tips for getting timed entry permits, and details on the best time to go! I hope you enjoy.
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Table of Contents
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail Details
Mount Fremont Lookout is a moderate trail in Mount Rainier that takes you to a fire tower on top of the mountain. Although you cannot enter this fire tower, you can walk along the platform for fantastic views that stretch on for miles.
Find out all of the details you need to know about hiking this incredible trail below!
Quick Hike Info
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation: 1100 feet elevation
Type: Out and back
Length: 2.5-4 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Mount Fremont Fire Tower Location
The Mount Fremont Fire Tower is a fantastic trail in Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier or Tahoma is a large volcano 🌋 in the Southern area of Washington, about two hours from Seattle. This mountain sits at 14,000 feet above sea level and towers above the landscape.
You can find the Mount Fremont Lookout trail in the Sunrise area of the national park. This area is the highest part of the park that can be reached by car at 6400 feet. The trailhead is right behind the Sunrise Visitor Center.
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 There is a $30 fee per vehicle to enter Mount Rainier National Park. This pass covers your visit for 7 days or you can use an interagency pass like the America the Beautiful pass.
🎟 Timed entry permits are required for the Paradise Corridor and Sunrise area of the park from May 24-September 2nd from 7 am-3 pm. You can read more about these later in the post.
☀️ Weather changes quickly in the mountains, which means you should be prepared for inclement weather. While it may be warm and sunny at the base of the mountain, it can be stormy, windy, or cold at the top!
⛺️ Unfortunately, you cannot stay overnight at the Mount Fremont fire tower, but there are multiple campgrounds in the park. All of the campgrounds require reservations ahead of time in the summer.
🐻 Mount Rainier has bears, but there has never been a bear attack on humans in the park. So, just stay bear aware and maintain your distance if you see any!
🦮 Pets are not allowed on this trail and on any of the trails in Mount Rainier.
⚠️ The Sunrise area of the park is usually only open from July through early October every year. So, this hike is not always accessible. You can stay updated on the park home page.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
How to Get to Mount Fremont Tower
In order to get to Mount Fremont, you will need to get to the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park. This is about a two hour drive from Seattle or 3.5 from Portland, Oregon.
SeaTac Airport is just 2 hours from the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail. ✈️
You can put “Sunrise Visitor Center” into your map app on your phone 🗺. But, from Seattle or Tacoma, you’ll want to head East on WA 410. You’ll follow that road until you get into the park. Then, turn right onto Sunrise Park Road until you get to the parking area at the end!
Mount Rainier Timed Entry Info
In recent years, the amount of visitors to Mount Rainier has skyrocketed. So, they have instituted a timed entry system during the peak months of summer. You will need a timed entry reservation if you plan on entering the park between 7 am & 3 pm.
There are separate reservations for the Paradise and Sunrise areas. They are $2 per reservation and can be made on recreation.gov. They go on sale the night before at 7 pm Pacific time.
If you don’t get a reservation, you can enter the areas before 7 am or after 3 pm. 👍🏻
Best Time to Hike Mount Fremont
Mount Fremont Lookout trail is only accessible when the Sunrise area of the park is open, which is usually from early July to early October. So, the best time to hike this trail is when it’s open!
That being said, early in July there may still be snow on the trail. ❄️ So, you can check the latest updates on Alltrails or visit later in the summer when the trail is dry. We went on 4th of July weekend and it was gorgeous!
The ultimate time to hike Mount Fremont is at sunrise or sunset. It honestly, may be the best sunset view in the entire state of Washington! On a clear day, you can see mountains all around including Olympic, North Cascades and Mount Baker.
What to Pack for Visiting Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is a mountainous climate with unpredictable weather. ⛈ It has a very short summer with snow covering the trails through early July. So, you will want to be prepared for lower temperatures up at that elevation.
So, bring lots of layers with you on your excursion. Also, wear a good sturdy pair of boots and pack plenty of water for your hike. If you do that, you’ll have a great time!
Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- Microspikes (depending on the trail conditions)
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Headlamp
- Rain jacket
- Light winter jacket
- Satellite phone
- Camera Clip
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail Description
Sunrise to Sourdough Trail
Start your hike at the Sunrise parking area. From there, you’ll see clear signs for the hiking trails. Once you get to the trailheads, there are signs for Mount Fremont. You will continue following these until the end.
The beginning of the trail is well-groomed but steep. You’ll go up about 300 feet right away 😮, but then it will level out for a bit at Sourdough Ridge. Once, you get to the Sourdough Ridge trail sign, continue to the left.
Sourdough Ridge
Sourdough Ridge is a nice part of the trail that is fairly level. You’ll walk along the ridge with Mount Rainier on your left the entire way. It’s absolutely stunning! This is a great time to take photos or to just enjoy the stroll.
Soon, you’ll get to Frozen Lake on your right. It’s a lovely small lake that often has ice on it. Continue around the lake, where you see the trail climbing up to the left. That trail will lead you to the end.
Along the Rocky Mountain
Once you see the trail rising up, it’s time for the final climb. This part of the trail gains roughly 450 feet of elevation and the path begins to get rocky. So, it can be tough. However, Mount Rainier is still on your left with a gorgeous valley below that often has wildlife.
Keep your eye out for mountain goats, marmots, and elk!
You’ll round the corner to a rocky mountain top. Far in the distance, you’ll see the fire tower and the end is in sight! 🙌🏻 Be careful as you walk over this part, because it can be a little slippery.
Mount Fremont Lookout
Finally, you’ll get to the trail’s reward- Mount Fremont Lookout. From here, you can see incredible panoramic views that are filled with mountains as far as the eye can see.
Take your time at the end to rest, enjoy the views, climb up to the fire tower, and even spot wildlife! While we were up there, we saw a coyote, a large elk, and seven mountain goats.
It’s a magical place to watch the sun rise or set and you will never forget it. As the skies change and glow on the mountains, you will be in awe. You’ll surely fall in love with this spot.
Final Tips for Hiking to the Mount Fremont Lookout
Mount Fremont Lookout is my favorite hike that I’ve done in Mount Rainier. I can’t even put into words how it felt to watch the sunset over mountains all around. 🌅 So, you need to add this to your bucket list!
While this trail is moderately difficult, it is accessible for the average hiker. That being said, if you plan on going at sunset or sunrise make sure to pack head lamps (preferably red light ones). Bring plenty of water, the proper footwear, and check trail conditions before you go.
Otherwise, you will have a fantastic hike. I hope you fall in love with this spot like I did. 💕
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this trail guide!
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Woah 😍 the photo of the silhouettes and sunset! amazing
Amazing photos! This hike looks so epic. Definitely adding this hike to my list next time I’m at Mount Rainier!
Awesome, it’s one of the best!!