Day Hike - Mount Fremont Lookout

Trip

Day Hike - Mount Fremont Lookout

Two-Bagger: Skyscraper and Fremont, both in "Top 100".

  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 10.6 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,300 ft

Issaquah Transit Center at 6:30am.   If there are participants coming from the South we may set up a second meeting point in Enumclaw.

This is a double-summit hike of Skyscraper Mountain and Fremont Lookout.  They are located next to each other in the Sunrise area of Rainier NP so make a natural combination. We'll start at the Sunrise Visitor Center trailhead, hike to Skyscraper, then summit Fremont as a side trip on our way back to the trailhead. Combined distance and elevation gain are 10.6 miles and 3300 ft.  The side trip to Fremont adds only 800' to the trip, so this is a cheap way to gain a second 7300-foot peak.

According to recent trip reports we may need to cross some small patches of snow on the way up Skyscraper.  Please be OK with this, and bring whatever gear you need to confidently cross some gently-angled snow, for example microspikes, sturdy boots, poles. The specifics are up to you.

Though the goal is to grab a couple of the Rainier 100 peaks (see below), we will enjoy ourselves while doing so. The pace will be moderate, and we will enjoy a nice lunch break on the summit of Skyscraper. Both summits offer wonderful views of the east face of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding area.

Skyscraper and Fremont are both on the list of 100 highest peaks in Rainier NP and are 2 of only 15 non-technical peaks on the list that can be summited as day hikes. Fremont (7317') is the 15th highest peak, and Skyscraper (7078') is the 20th. These peaks count for both the 15 Hiking Peaks in Mount Rainier NP and 100 Peaks in Mount Rainier NP badges.   Fremont also counts toward the  Olympia Branch Lookout badge.

The Sunrise area of Rainier is very popular.  Though we will be surrounded by a beautiful wilderness, on summer weekends this area does not provide solitude.  We will get an early start in order to have left the trailhead before the crowds arrive, but we will see many others along the trail.

Route/Place

Mount Fremont Lookout, Berkeley Park & Skyscraper Mountain



  • Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX

    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270

    Trails Illustrated Mount Rainier National Park
  • See full route/place details.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
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