Hiking Fremont Lookout Trail: Must-Do Hike in Mount Rainier National Park

Although Mount Rainier National Park has hundreds of miles of beautiful trails, Fremont Lookout might be one of the best! Fremont Lookout Trail offers stunning 360-degree views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains, and they will leave you in awe! Although it is challenging, it is worth it for the breathtaking views.

If you want to hike Fremont Lookout Trail when you visit Mount Rainier National Park, you are in the right place! I hiked Fremont Lookout Trail and fell in love, so I am excited to share the details with you! This guide has everything you need to know about hiking Fremont Lookout Trail.

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Fremont Lookout Trail Overview

Fremont Lookout Trail Length and Difficulty

Fremont Lookout Trail is about 5.7 miles and gains 1,100 feet of elevation. Because of the length and elevation gain, the trail is moderately challenging. Fremont Lookout Trail is exposed and has a few steep sections that will make you work for the views.

Although it is not one of the most challenging trails in Mount Rainier National Park, it is not easy. As the trail approaches the summit, it has a few sections with steep drop-offs. But once you are at the top, you will see why the effort is worth it! The views are unmatched!

Fremont Lookout Trail Parking

The trailhead for Fremont Lookout Trail is near the Sunrise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park. The visitor center has a large parking lot where many trails begin in the Sunrise section of the national park. I will provide more details about the exact trails to follow to Fremont Lookout later!

Note: Mount Rainier National Park now has a timed entry reservation system for entering the park between 7 AM to 3 PM during May through September for Paradise and July through September for Sunrise. You should get these as far in advance as possible since Mount Rainier National Park is a busy park. If you do not have a permit, you can still enter the park before 7 AM and after 3 PM.

Is Fremont Lookout Trail Dog-friendly?

No, dogs are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park.

Best Time to Hike Fremont Lookout Trail

Summer and fall are the best times to hike the Fremont Lookout Trail because the weather is beautiful, and the trails are usually snow-free. But snow can sometimes linger in the early summer.

Although winter in Mount Rainier National Park is beautiful, many roads and areas are closed. The National Park Service has a great resource about how to visit Mount Rainier National Park in the winter.

What to Pack for the Hike

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

Where to Stay Near Fremont Lookout Trail

Since Fremont Lookout Trail is in the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier National Park, I recommend staying on the east side of the national park. A few towns near Mount Rainier National Park near the park have accommodations, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.

If you have or can rent camping gear or a campervan, I highly recommend it because there are campgrounds close to Mount Rainier National Park. If you are interested in renting a campervan, I highly recommend renting from Escape Campervans.

Hotels:

Campgrounds

Fremont Lookout Trail Guide

**Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and throw away your trash properly. Also, stay on designated trails. This area has fragile vegetation.

The most popular way to hike to Fremont Lookout Trail is via Sourdough Ridge Trail as an out-and-back. The hike is about 5.7 miles round trip with 1,100 feet of elevation gain, and the trailhead is near the Sunrise Visitor Center on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park. Many trails begin in this area, so it is crucial to follow the correct signs and have a trail map!

Since Fremont Lookout Trail is popular, we decided to hike it for sunset. The trail had fewer crowds and was perfect for watching the sunset! If you have the proper equipment, you will not be disappointed to hike it for sunset! If you do, I recommend giving yourself more time than you think you will need to get to the summit before the sun sets. It is also a great place to watch the sunrise.

The hike to Fremont Lookout begins on the Sourdough Ridge Trail, where many popular hikes in the Sunrise section begin. The Sourdough Ridge Trail is well-maintained, easy to follow, and offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. After about 1.5 miles, the trail passes Frozen Lake before turning right to continue on Fremont Lookout Trail.

As soon as you turn onto Fremont Lookout Trail, the trail ascends steeply, making you work to get to the ridge. Luckily, you can enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains on this portion of the hike. After about 0.6 miles of climbing, the trail reaches a beautiful ridge with steep drop-offs. The rest of the hike along this portion of Fremont Lookout Trail is stunning, and the mountain views are endless.

Soon enough, the trail leads you to the fire lookout. Fremont Lookout is one of four historical fire lookouts in Mount Rainier National Park, built in the 1930s. Although you cannot camp in or around the lookout, you can find beautiful areas near the top to enjoy the views.

The views from Fremont Lookout are unmatched! I think it has some of the best views of Mount Rainier in the national park. And you have 360-degree views of Berkeley Park and Grand Park. Watching the sunset at the lookout is an incredible experience, although hiking to Fremont Lookout at any time is beautiful. We fell in love with the spot, so I know you will, too!

After you watch the sunset or enjoy the views, you will follow the same trail back to the parking lot. It is crucial to have a headlamp if you hike for sunset because it gets dark quickly after the sun sets, and it is impossible to see anything without one.

If you hike Fremont Lookout during the day and want to add another trail, there are plenty to choose from! One of my favorites is Burroughs Mountain Trail. If you want to add this to your hike, you will turn right once you reach Frozen Lake. The trail is long and strenuous, but the views are just as spectacular as Fremont Lookout!

If you want to hike to Fremont Lookout when you visit Mount Rainier National Park, this guide is the perfect place to start planning. It has everything you need to know about hiking the Fremont Lookout Trail.