Trip

Day Hike - Grand Park (Mount Rainier)

Avoid the crowds at Sunrise. Enjoy this "backdoor" approach to Grand Park with fall colors via Lake Eleanor.

Sat, Sep 30, 2023
Committee: Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
Activity Type: Day Hiking
Audience: Adults

Difficulty: Moderate
Leader Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 8.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,696 ft
High Point Elevation: 5,630 ft
Pace: 1.8 mph + 1000 ft/hr

Availability: FULL, 4 on waitlist (6 capacity)
Assistant Leader Availability: FULL (2 capacity)
Cancellation & Refund Policy

Meeting place and time

Carpool will meet at US Forest Service Ranger Station, 450 Roosevelt Ave E, Enumclaw, WA 98022 at 7:00am. I expect riders to compensate their driver at $0.18 mile. For this trip that would be about $12.00 for the 68 miles roundtrip from Enumclaw to the Grand Park via Lake Eleanor Trailhead.

FR 73 is a rough road, mostly rocky and some potholes to watch out for. It is a slow drive the last few miles.

For those who want to meet at the Grand Park via Lake Eleanor Trailhead, we are aiming to be there about 8:10am.

Leader's notes

I take a leisurely to moderate pace - expect a steady, slow pace on the incline from the leader. Dress in layers, as it may be cold with our early start.

We are going to cross Grand Park and take the Northern Loop trail a short distance to reach the viewpoint en route to Fire Creek Camp; the stunning scenery is absolutely worth the extra effort.

Route/Place