Long before the Sears Tower and the Empire State Building dominated skylines, the 7,078-foot Skyscraper Mountain towered over the creeks and valleys of Mount Rainier National Park. Climb to the top of this popular peak for mesmerizing views of Mount Rainier and countless Cascade peaks.
The route climbs away from the Sunrise parking area to the eye-opening Sourdough ridgeline, revealing vistas of the lush White River Valley below. Head west on the Sourdough Trail and weave through wildflower-dotted meadows toward Frozen Lake. At the five-way intersection, pick up the Wonderland Trail and trek through more meadows that precede the steep climb to Skyscraper Pass. At the top of the pass, enjoy dazzling vistas of Moraine Peak and Mystic Lake to the west. Then, tackle the final ascent toward the summit: a quarter-mile scramble through a loose scree field.
Crest Skyscraper’s rounded summit near mile 4, then savor the spectacular, unobstructed views of the Cascades; Mount Rainier looms to the southwest, and the table-top-flat Grand Park rises to the northeast. When you’ve had your fill, follow the same route back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography
To Trailhead
From Greenwater, WA, head southeast on WA 410 for 17.8 miles. Turn right on Sunrise Rd. and follow for 15 miles. Parking is on the right.
