September Hikes: 4 to 8 miles, 750 to 2,000 feet gain

Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course

September Hikes: 4 to 8 miles, 750 to 2,000 feet gain - Sourdough Gap

This hike counts toward your monthly required GoHike course hike for September. Consider spending the night before the hike at a motel in Naches or camping to avoid a long drive in the morning.

  • Easy
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,400 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2 mph

Meet at the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead off Highway 410 at 9:00 AM ready to hike. Check the coordinates and the driving time! Watch for the Hello Hikers email a few days before the hike. Please don't plan anything after the hike for the afternoon/evening. We will plan to have a meal at a little cafe somewhere on the way home (to be determined). It's not required, but it makes a great "final" GoHike gathering since you will have graduated after this hike!

This is a lovely hike with terrific views on a good day! I'm a slower leader - I like a steady 1.5-2.0 pace. Check out the location and driving time and consider camping or a little motel around the Natches area or Sunrise perhaps the night before the hike to avoid a long drive the morning of. 

Route/Place

Sourdough Gap



  • Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX

    Green Trails Bumping Lake No. 271

    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
  • See full route/place details.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Watch for the "Hello Hiker" email. Hiking poles and at least 2 liters of water are essential. Later in the year like this, bugs can be a problem so at least bring long pants and long sleeves. Consider bringing a small camp towel and aquasox in case you want to dip into Sheep Lake. Even up to your knees will be refreshing!

Note the high point elevation - there can be a breeze at this level, sometimes colder than the day would warrant.  Bring plenty of food. We'll have lunch at the top.

After the hike, we might have a special "graduation celebration" meal at a restaurant on the way back to the city. The Hello Hiker email will have more info. Please don't plan anything the afternoon after the hike - we won't be able to tell when we'll return, plus its a longer drive away from the  Seattle area.

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