Trail Description:

Location:
 

The hike starts near the Sunrise Visitor Center. 

Along the Trail:

The trailhead starts at 6,400 feet elevation and climbs moderately a short distance to the top of Sourdough Ridge.

Views from here are mighty in all directions. In twenty minutes, you will hook up with the Wonderland Trail and hike your way to Skyscraper Pass, the second highest point on the wonderland Trail. 

The way descends to Granite Creek Camp, then to the snout of the Winthrop Glacier. Stop here in the old moraine of the glacier and marvel at the awesom sight. From this location, you will get a good look at massive crevasse fields high up on the Winthrop Glacier. The Wonderland Trail continues on and eventually enters a small forest where you will find Mystic Camp a short distance before you emerge into the beautiful meadows that surround Mystic Lake. This is flanked my Mineral Mountain to the south and Old Desolate to the north. The view of Rainier reflected in the lake, especially at sunrise and sunset, is a highlight of the hike. There is a ranger patrol cabin near the lake this is staffed by a ranger most days throughout the summer.

Backpacking:

Permits are required for camping anywhere in the backcountry at Mount Rainier. They must be obtained before you enter the backcountry.

Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide at wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Treat water before drinking. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails.