Length: 6.5 Miles round trip
Elevation Change: 1800' Elevation gain
Season: Mid-Summer thru Fall
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit: NW Forest Pass Required
Features:
This hike begins off Forest Road 2324.063 which is
off Forest Road 23. This approach to Sunrise Peak
allows you to drive up much of the elevation.
This hike is short but very very steep. Even
though your first steps are downhill, don't let that
fool you. The rest of the trail is straight UP!
The hike begins in a very dense forest, but after
about a half mile you break out into the open
where you will remain for the balance of the hike.
Wildflowers are extremely abundant in season and
add a great deal of enjoyment to this hike.
At about 1 mile you come to a junction that allows
you to take Trail #261A to the top. Bear to the
right and begin one of the steepest climbs you will
encounter. With each step the views improve. The
wildflowers help make all this worth the effort.
In another half mile you will come to another
junction to a different approach to the peak.
Bear right and continue on to the top. The
last 1/4 mile has a very steep grade with plenty
of switchbacks to make it tolerable.
To reach the very top you must climb up steep
rock with a metal rail in place to help you.
When on top you are treated to more beauty than
the eye can behold. Mt Rainier, Mt Adams, and
of course Mt St Helens. Its sooooo worth it!
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