Aug 3 - Sunrise (Mt Rainier)

Another early start this morning. I have a 1.5-2 hour drive to Sunrise. Planning on hiking the Mt Fremont Lookout (7181ft) and if I'm feeling good, the Burroughs Trail (7000ft) - 1st Burrough only.

I leave the hotel before 6am. Not far from the hotel and emerging from the fog on the right side of the road is an Elk!

Yes, I said elk - so exciting!!

I zoom by it but as I'm thinking about turning around, there's a whole herd on the left side of the road and a couple on the right side. This time, I stop. Quite a few males (with antlers) and there's one large bull. Way cool!

Not too much farther along, I have to stop for a doe and fawn.

I see one more doe along my trip.

And can't forget the coyote!!

Plan is for no stops - except potty breaks. :)

The plan is thrown out as I arrive at Reflection Lake and the sun is just rising above the mountains 

and Mt Rainier is perfectly reflected in the aptly named lake.

I pass Bench/Snow Lakes trailhead; there's only one car and I'm tempted - I can always head to Sunrise tomorrow - but continue on.

I do make one additional stop at Box Canyon. I had lunch at the Box Canyon picnic area yesterday but this is a bit farther down the road. I head quickly to the viewpoint with a Rainier view

and a box canyon 

and then continue my drive turning left on Hwy 123/410 heading to Sunrise.

I finally reach the turn off Sunrise. I didn't expect such a long curvy road to get there but when I arrive, there's lots of parking available - before 8am. (yea!)

I gear up and start making my way to Mt Fremont Lookout (5.5 miles - 900ft)

There's a bit of a climb out of Sunrise (6400ft) - all the trails out of Sunrise seem to have that climb. A lot less flowers here then a Paradise. Probably because it's on the east side - typically drier on the east side. But there are flowers and some butterflies flitting around.

The views of Rainier in front and to the left are incredible! 

And they're closer and getting even closer.

There are some Mormon Frits already flying this morning.

The trail eventually levels off as I approach Frozen Lake. And yes, there's still an "iceberg" on its shore.

I can't get close as the lake is the source of Sunrise's water supply and is fenced off.

Once on the far side of the lake, can go left and start climbing the Burroughs trail or go right and start climbing to the Fremont Lookout. Well, there's also an option to go straight which heads to Berkeley Park (supposedly a lush flower filled area). 

Hmm, if I come back, will have to go there instead.

I, of course, go right and start my trek to the Lookout.

Steady climb with Rainier at my left and a valley below that keeps getting farther away. The uphill slopes are all talus.

See some chipmunks along the way.

It's time to make a right hand turn - I can see the Lookout in the distance ahead. 

I let a couple pass -- we exchange photos - and start moving. Hey, there's mountain goats! I show the couple where they were above us. They were as excited as me about them. I can hear them moving on the slopes as the talus moves. 

I also see a couple of Marmots.

I finally reach the Lookout. 

Great views of Rainier and the surrounding area.

I go up the steps to the lookout. I can't go in but I can peek in.

I then find a nice place for a break/snack. I see Mormon Frits

 

and Western Whites flying. I do manage to catch up with both before heading back down.

The Mt Goats are gone on the return trip.

However, when I turn that corner and can see the valley again, there's a large herd of Mt Goats below. Moms and babies from what I can tell. Pretty exciting!

I reach Frozen Lake again and take another break to debate going up to the 1st Burrough. I'm tired. It's hot but there is a nice breeze. I'm heading up.

Definitely worth the trip! The 2nd Burrough would be even better but it's another 400ft and I don't have that in me. I still have 2.2 miles and a short climb to get back to my car.

Seeing the Western Whites, 

Mormon Frits 

and Checkerspots (no photo) flying on the barren ground.

I take a break to enjoy the views.

Then it's down to Frozen Lake - fun to look over and see the trail to my Mt Fremont hike.

Then it's back down to the car.

I catch up to a Snowberry Checkerspot along the trail. I think he got trampled but I moved him off the trail and I hope he survives.

They should make a law against people hiking in large groups - too hard to get around - yes, I got stuck behind one.

When I finally got past them, there's a butterfly I stop for (Boiduval's Blue) and I'm at the back of the line yet again. :(

I do pass the group again on the last downhill to Sunrise. (yea!)

I'm hoping the Snack Shop has hot dogs but only snacks. I head to my car to eat my peanut butter sandwich. A Mariposa Copper keeps me company.

I'm dead, time to head to the resort. Unfortunately, it's < 10 miles away and I'm too early to check-in so I find Naches Peak - the hike I'm doing tomorrow. And even at 2pm, there are parking spots (but it is crowded)

I head back to the resort, take a shower and as I head out for dinner at the Alpine Lodge, I'm informed that the whole resort has no water. No water, no food - crap! Nearest restaurant is 30 miles away in Enumclaw, I'm on my way. But I pass the Naches Tavern; they have food (cheese burger) I'm stopping. Bet they'll be busy tonight.

I drive back to the resort praying for water and yes, there's water.

Elk, deer, Mt goat, Marmots, perfect views of Rainier, and great hikes -- Awesome day!