Gorgeous, Skyscraper Pass in Mt. Rainier National Park Boasts sweeping views of alpine meadows.
The hike is 7 miles round trip, and gains only 900-feet in elevation going in and 300-feet going out.
Awesome setting Skyscraper Pass is a saddle section of the Wonderland Trail between Sunrise and Mystic Lake. There are unobstructed views of the cascades, Fremont Lookout, Grand and Berkeley Parks and Mt. Rainier looming giant over them all.
On the trail The trail begins at Sunrise, elevation 6385-feet. From the picnic area follow the Wonderland-Sourdough Ridge trail upward 1/3 mile.
Go left at the trail junction toward Frozen Lake. This is the steepest portion of the trail, and we are at a high elevation, so "slow and steady wins the race."
Five trails converge near Frozen Lake, about one mile distance from Sunrise. This is a perfect spot to rest, rehydrate or make your turn around.
From Frozen Lake the trail descends 300-feet to another trail junction, the Northern Loop-Berkeley Park trail. Stay left on the high trail above the green meadows of Berkeley Park. Continue onto 6700-foot Skyscraper Pass.
How to get there The Skyscraper Pass hike is approximately 80 miles from church. Leave plenty of travel time, once in the Park the road is very slow, very windy, but very beautiful.
Go to Enumclaw and take Highway 410 East toward Greenwater (410 West goes to Buckley.) You will go through Greenwater, speed limit 35 mph, then on to the White River entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Continue to Sunrise Visitor Center. Parking should be plentiful at this time of year.
Entrance fee is $15 per car or buy an annual pass for a mere $30.
What to bring: Forget about the weather in Black Diamond, you will be above 6000 feet on Mt. Rainier. Always bring a second and possible third layer. Second layer is fleece or long sleeves, and the third layer is a rain shell. Bring water to drink and substantial snacks or a lunch. A small first aid kit with Band-Aids and blister care is a good idea.
Remember this is a National Park. We practice leave-no-trace ethics and we take only pictures, no wild flowers or fragile vegetation. Stay on established paths, "no pets" is strictly enforced.
Gorgeous, Skyscraper Pass in Mt. Rainier National Park Boasts sweeping views of alpine meadows.
The hike is 7 miles round trip, and gains only 900-feet in elevation going in and 300-feet going out.