Skyscraper Mountain Hike

The hike up Skyscraper Mountain on the Wonderland Trail is a beautiful journey in Mount Rainier National Park. The trail provides great views of the Burroughs, Sourdough Ridge, Rainier, and more. You’ll also likely be kept company by pika and marmot as you hike.

From the north end of the parking lot, head out on the unmarked paved trail between the restrooms and the Visitor Center. You’ll follow the signs to Frozen Lake, climbing up some steps to join the Sourdough Ridge Trail. Turn left here. At Frozen Lake, stay right onto Sourdough Ridge Trail. At 1.5mi in, you’ll come to a 5-way junction. Here, follow the signs for Wonderland Trail.

Beyond the junction, you’ll climb gently through meadows. At 2.3mi, keep left. You’ll crest a small pass at 3.4mi, then reach a ridge top at 3.6mi. From here, you leave the Wonderland Trail to take the obvious path through the gravel that heads up Skyscraper Mountain. This trail is unmaintained and steep in parts. While the scramble to the top isn’t difficult, it is a bit exposed and rocky, so consider leaving it for another time if you have older children with you or you’re not feeling up to it.

From the summit, savour the views in every direction: the Burroughs, Rainier, Vernal Park, the Fremont Lookout, Berkeley Park, and more. Once you’re ready, head back the same way you came.