& for sunrise, you won’t find a view better. High Rock Lookout is one of my favorite short hikes I’ve ever done in Washington. Not legally I’m sure, but stealth camping is a major part of vanlife, and as long as you are self-contained and don’t draw attention to yourself, you’ll save yourself the early morning drive. A small dirt-covered parking lot marks the beginning of the hike & you can park overnight and camp here.
#Sunrise seattle free#
The most convenient free camping, however, if you have a van, is right at the trailhead. We nearly got our van stuck trying to navigate the tight space. Just simple dirt pullouts that often can be a little steep or treacherous to get into. This entire region is free dispersed camping and any open site is up for grabs.īe warned that dispersed camping is bare bones. On NF-8440, the road turns from pavement to dirt & pullouts are aplenty. The biggest problem with sunrise hikes is finding a convenient place to sleep the night before. Whatever Google says the sunrise time will be make sure you’re at the summit at least 30-45 minutes before that time to watch the colors. Sunrise is early here since you’re sitting on the highest peaks around. The views are epic and you’ll be surrounded by some of the most iconic Washington summits. The skies are awash in pale pink and warm yellows with the imposing Mount Rainer sitting right in front of your face. The last push is a sloped rock face to the fire lookout & without proper hiking shoes, this can be a little slippery and tricky. The trail winds you through the last patches of forest on the mountainside & is a fairly steep incline the entire 1.6 miles to the summit. There are several hammock poles positioned at the very tippy-top of the lookout and are undoubtedly the best views. The Lookout: For a truly perfect morning I recommend bringing up some instant coffee & hammocks. We hiked it on Friday morning and shared the peak with only 10 other hikers for the big show. On the weekends this can be a busy hike & the top can feel pretty crowded. Trail Conditions: The trail is super well maintained and well-trodden. You don’t want to miss the sunrise though so give yourself 1 hour & 20 minutes if you’re worried. Hike Time: Only about 50 minutes to the summit. Near Ranier National Park along the ridge of the Sawtooth Mountains.ĭistance from Seattle: 2.5 hours drive from Seattle.īest Time of Year to Go: All seasons!! Spring the mountain will be carpeted in wildflowers, Summer brings the best weather and lush green trails, Fall is crisp & cool, & in Winter the snowy peak is more difficult to summit–but the views are an absolute winter wonderland. Location: Gifford Pinochet National Forest. Only because of the steep incline and rock scramble at the peak.ĭogs & Kids not recommended at the peak.
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