Skyscraper Mountain
Ascend Skyscraper Mountain for breathtaking 360° views of Mount Rainier, bypassing crowds for serene meadows and a rewarding summit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, clear skies
Skyscraper Mountain
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Skyscraper Mountain for breathtaking 360° views of Mount Rainier, bypassing crowds for serene meadows and a rewarding summit.
"The views from the summit are grand in all directions. Skyscraper is highly recommended."
🎯 Summit Trail is Unmarked
Leave the main trail at an obvious point for a clear use path to the summit. Views are grand!
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Sunrise area gets busy. Early mornings or late afternoons offer more peaceful hikes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skyscraper Mountain Summit
Summit of Skyscraper Mountain
Panoramic 360-degree views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. A rewarding climb off the main trail.
Scenic Meadows
Trail contours above meadows
Vibrant wildflowers in season, offering stunning photo opportunities and a peaceful hiking experience.
Fremont Lookout
Near Skyscraper Pass
A popular spot with expansive views, though often more crowded than Skyscraper Mountain itself.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Sunrise
Summit Detour Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Summit Trail is Unmarked
Leave the main trail at an obvious point for a clear use path to the summit. Views are grand!
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Sunrise area gets busy. Early mornings or late afternoons offer more peaceful hikes.
🌸 Wildflower Season Magic
Summer brings beautiful meadows. Great for photos and a serene hike.
🥾 Prepare for Winter Conditions
Fall can bring snow. Check weather and webcams before visiting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Summit Trail is Unmarked
Leave the main trail at an obvious point for a clear use path to the summit. Views are grand!
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Sunrise area gets busy. Early mornings or late afternoons offer more peaceful hikes.
🌸 Wildflower Season Magic
Summer brings beautiful meadows. Great for photos and a serene hike.
🥾 Prepare for Winter Conditions
Fall can bring snow. Check weather and webcams before visiting.
📸 Fremont Lookout is Busy
Enjoy Skyscraper's peace; Fremont Lookout is much more crowded.
🐿️ Marmot Spotting
Lots of marmots around Skyscraper Pass, especially if the sky is clear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Skyscraper Mountain is praised for its grand summit views and peaceful meadows, offering a less crowded alternative to nearby popular spots. While the main trail is accessible, the summit requires a short, unmarked climb. Visitors enjoy the panoramic vistas and wildlife, though some note the Sunrise area can be busy.
"This is a somewhat unvisited mountain top in a very busy area. The day hiker crowds from Sunrise head to Burroughs Mountain or the Fremont Lookout. It is mostly backpackers over on this route. I enjoyed the peacefulness on a trail that contours above some very scenic meadows. You must leave the trail at an obvious point to follow a clear use path all the way up to the rocky and well defined a summit. The views from the summit are grand in all directions. On the way back I took a cross country shortcut and stopped at Fremont lookout as well. That was much much more crowded. Skyscraper is highly recommended"
Chris Schmandt
"Great views from Skyscraper Pass as your are descending into or ascending out of the Sunrise area....especially if the sky is clear. Lots of day hikers in this area so be prepared to slow down a little bit as you navigate between them. Lots of good photo ops and flowers if the season is right. Tons of marmots around too!"
Jason France
"About 400 ft of Elevation gain, and about a half mile (one way) from Skyscraper Pass on the Wonderland Trail. If the conditions are good, it's a great little detour for a panoramic view in all directions."
Blair Hotchkies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Skyscraper Mountain is accessed via the Sunrise area in Mount Rainier National Park. Drive to Sunrise, then follow the Wonderland Trail towards Skyscraper Pass. The summit requires a short, unmarked detour from the pass.
Yes, Sunrise has a large parking area, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak season. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Public transportation options directly to Sunrise are limited. The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad operates from Elbe, offering a scenic journey but not direct access to the trailhead.
The drive to Sunrise is scenic, with winding roads offering glimpses of the mountain. Be prepared for potential delays during peak times.
Yes, there are shuttle services within Mount Rainier National Park, but check the official park website for current routes and schedules, as they can vary seasonally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid park pass is required for entry into Mount Rainier National Park. You can purchase passes at the entrance stations or online in advance.
The entrance fee is for Mount Rainier National Park itself, not specifically for Skyscraper Mountain. Once inside the park, access to trails like Skyscraper Mountain is generally included.
Sunrise typically opens in late June or early July and closes in late September or early October, depending on snow conditions. Always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information.
Winter access to Sunrise is usually closed due to snow. While some trails might be accessible with snowshoes or skis, Skyscraper Mountain's summit route is generally not recommended or accessible in winter.
Yes, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad has separate ticketing and fees. It's a popular tourist attraction offering a vintage train experience.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike from Skyscraper Pass to the summit and back is about 1 mile roundtrip with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain. It can take 1-2 hours depending on your pace and time spent at the summit.
The trail to Skyscraper Pass is part of the Wonderland Trail and is generally well-maintained. The final ascent to the summit is an unmarked use path.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Sunrise Visitor Center and day-use areas. It's advisable to use them before heading out on your hike.
You might spot marmots, especially around Skyscraper Pass. Keep an eye out for various birds and other small mammals.
The main trail to Skyscraper Pass is moderate. The unmarked summit detour requires some comfort with off-trail navigation and a bit more effort, making it more suitable for intermediate hikers.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views. The meadows along the trail are also fantastic, especially during wildflower season.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets can be spectacular. +1
Drone usage is restricted in Mount Rainier National Park. Check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant mountain details.
Yes, sunsets from Skyscraper Mountain can be breathtaking, offering dramatic light over the surrounding peaks. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the summer wildflower season for added visual appeal. While the Sunrise area can be busy, the meadows offer space for kids to explore a bit. Remember to pack snacks and be prepared for changing mountain weather, even in summer. The Fremont Lookout, while more crowded, is also an option for families seeking expansive views without the unmarked summit climb.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
For photographers, the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
Solo hikers should prioritize safety by informing someone of their hiking plans, checking weather forecasts, and carrying essential gear, including navigation tools, extra layers, and plenty of water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sunrise Area
While Skyscraper Mountain is a detour from the main Sunrise trails, its trailhead is accessed from the same general vicinity. The main trail to Skyscraper Pass is part of the famous Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier. This means you'll encounter both day hikers and backpackers on this section. The key to enjoying Skyscraper Mountain's unique appeal is understanding that the summit itself requires a deliberate, off-trail ascent, which naturally filters out many of the casual day hikers seeking more established paths.
The Skyscraper Mountain Summit Experience
Unlike the more heavily trafficked viewpoints, the summit of Skyscraper Mountain provides a sense of accomplishment and relative solitude, especially if you time your visit outside of peak hours. The 360-degree vistas are perfect for photography, offering a unique vantage point that many visitors to Sunrise miss. Redditors rave about the 'peacefulness on a trail that contours above some very scenic meadows,' and the summit experience solidifies this sentiment.
Seasonal Beauty and Conditions
As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms with golden hues and crisp air, offering a different kind of beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit