Frozen Lake
A breathtaking alpine stop in Mount Rainier National Park, offering iconic views of the majestic peak and surrounding landscapes, often with snow-dust...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for frozen conditions
Frozen Lake
Best Time
Best chance for frozen conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking alpine stop in Mount Rainier National Park, offering iconic views of the majestic peak and surrounding landscapes, often with snow-dusted beauty.
"It was so gorgeous, no too bad of the hike. Views all the way to frozen lake is very interesting and gorgeous."
📸 Capture the Reflections
The lake's surface, even with snow, can create magical reflections of Mt. Rainier.
🐿️ Beware of Squirrels!
These critters are relentless if you bring food. Keep your snacks secure!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Rainier Views
Surrounding trails
Expansive, breathtaking panoramas of Mount Rainier's snow-capped peaks and surrounding valleys.
Reflective Waters
Frozen Lake
The lake, often with snow or ice, offers stunning reflections of the majestic mountains.
Wildlife Sightings
Near the lake
Keep an eye out for rodents and even mountain goats in the scenic meadows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Frozen Lake
Access and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Reflections
The lake's surface, even with snow, can create magical reflections of Mt. Rainier.
🐿️ Beware of Squirrels!
These critters are relentless if you bring food. Keep your snacks secure!
🥾 Trail Prep is Key
Be prepared for winter conditions, especially in shoulder seasons. Check weather and webcams.
💧 Lake Access
The lake itself is often fenced off for water supply, but views are still incredible.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Reflections
The lake's surface, even with snow, can create magical reflections of Mt. Rainier.
🐿️ Beware of Squirrels!
These critters are relentless if you bring food. Keep your snacks secure!
🥾 Trail Prep is Key
Be prepared for winter conditions, especially in shoulder seasons. Check weather and webcams.
💧 Lake Access
The lake itself is often fenced off for water supply, but views are still incredible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, expansive views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding alpine scenery, often describing it as 'magical.' While the lake itself is sometimes fenced off and not always frozen, the overall experience is highly recommended for its scenic beauty and accessibility on popular hiking trails. Some note the relentless squirrels and the lack of benches for resting.
"Beautiful stop on the way to Fremont Lookout. The lake is small. Great views all around and a nice place to rest before continuing the hike.
Frozen Lake itself is fenced off (it's part of the drinking water supply), but it’s still amazing to see and photograph.
Great place to take a short break before continuing to the Fremont Lookout."
Anupriya Atri
"Good spot to take a breather while hiking the Sourdough Ridge or Wonderland Trails. Expansive views of the lake, Cascades, forests, and meadows we hiked along. Spotted a few rodents and a mountain goat. Would recommend and planning on returning on another hike."
Jesse James
"Go to Frozen Lake Mt.Rainier this morning. Mid August the lake not Frozen anymore. The view of Mt. Rainier is amazing. The trail also moderate. Unfortunately there is no bench for taking rest caused by long track and very hot in summer time. Hopefully will be provide some bench that can be made from the many fallen tree along the way. The tree can be utilized and more useful especially for elder people like me. Thank you and be more beautiful and more friendly for elder people to Sunrise Track of Mt. Rainier"
Mayumi eguchi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Frozen Lake is accessible via hiking trails from the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park. The Sunrise Road leads to the visitor center, and trails like the Sourdough Ridge Trail or routes towards Fremont Lookout will take you past the lake.
Parking is available at the Sunrise Visitor Center, which is a short distance from Frozen Lake. Be aware that parking lots can fill up quickly during peak season.
You can drive to the Sunrise area, which is close to Frozen Lake. However, the final approach to the lake is typically on foot via hiking trails. Sunrise Road is seasonal and closes in winter.
From Seattle, drive to Mount Rainier National Park and head towards the Sunrise area. The drive itself is scenic, and then you'll embark on a hike to reach Frozen Lake.
Public transport options directly to Mount Rainier National Park and Frozen Lake are limited. It's generally recommended to have a personal vehicle for the most flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You will need a valid entrance pass for Mount Rainier National Park to access Frozen Lake. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance or online in advance.
Frozen Lake is accessible during park operating hours. However, Sunrise Road, which leads to the area, is seasonal and typically closes from late September or October to late June or early July due to snow.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Mount Rainier National Park. The fee is per vehicle and is valid for seven days.
While the park is open year-round, access to the Sunrise area, including Frozen Lake, is typically closed in winter due to heavy snow. You might be able to access it via backcountry skiing or snowshoeing if conditions permit and you are experienced. +1
Frozen Lake is part of the park's drinking water supply and is often fenced off. Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and respect all park regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Frozen Lake is primarily a scenic stop on hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Rainier, take photos, rest, and observe wildlife.
Yes, the short distance from Sunrise Visitor Center makes it a great stop for families. The hike is generally not strenuous, making it manageable for children.
You might spot rodents and mountain goats in the meadows around Frozen Lake. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
No, swimming is not permitted in Frozen Lake as it is a source of drinking water for the park. It is also often fenced off.
The best photo spots offer views of Mount Rainier reflected in the lake (when conditions allow) and the surrounding alpine scenery. The trails leading to and from the lake also provide excellent vantage points. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Frozen Lake. The nearest options are at the Sunrise Visitor Center, which may have limited concessions. It's best to pack your own food and water.
Picnicking is allowed in designated areas within Mount Rainier National Park, including near the Sunrise Visitor Center. Be mindful of wildlife, especially squirrels, who are known to be persistent.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit. Bring plenty of water, as hydration is crucial, especially during warmer months.
While there are no specific food restrictions for visitors, it's important to pack out all trash and food waste to help keep the park clean and protect wildlife.
After visiting Frozen Lake, you can find dining options in nearby towns outside the park, such as Ashford or Packwood, or return to areas closer to Seattle if you're heading back that way.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing Mount Rainier and the lake. Midday can be harsh, but reflections can still be stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is restricted in all US National Parks, including Mount Rainier. Flying drones is prohibited to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety.
The reflections of Mount Rainier on the lake's surface, the surrounding alpine meadows with wildflowers (in season), and the snow-capped peaks are highly photogenic. +1
Visit during colder months when the lake is actually frozen. If visiting in summer, look for snow patches around the lake and capture the crisp, clear mountain air. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a telephoto lens for any wildlife encounters. 🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Frozen' Paradox: When to See Ice
Even if the lake isn't fully frozen, the surrounding landscape is often dusted with snow, offering a beautiful, albeit different, winter wonderland experience.
Hiking Trails and Access
These trails provide not only access to the lake but also unparalleled vistas of Mount Rainier, Emmons Glacier, and the surrounding Cascade Range.
Photography Tips for Frozen Lake
When the lake is frozen or partially frozen, the reflections can be absolutely breathtaking.
Use a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of Mount Rainier and the surrounding alpine scenery. If you're lucky enough to spot wildlife, a telephoto lens can be useful. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit