Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
650.00 ft (198.12 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.40 mi (5.47 km)
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Frozen Lake is a beautiful and small lake that is the main source of drinking water for the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park. The hike to Frozen Lake also offers incredible views of Mount Rainier and the north side of Sourdough Ridge. 

The hike starts out to the right of the ranger station at Sunrise. There are many signs pointing in the correct direction for Frozen Lake. The first fork in the road is only a few yards into the hike with the trail continuing to the right. The next signpost comes up at the top of Sourdough Ridge, where you will continue to the left along the ridge until the trail marker showing the turn off to the lake. 

The hike starts with a gradual uphill until it evens off at Sourdough Ridge and then drops about 200 feet in elevation to Frozen Lake. Once you reach the lake, there are many options for returning to Sunrise or extending your hike.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

No

Open from

June 17 to September 17

Pros

Stunning views of Mount Rainier. Beautiful alpine meadows.

Cons

No access to the lake.

Trailhead Elevation

6,400.00 ft (1,950.72 m)

Highest point

6,730.00 ft (2,051.30 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Big vistas
Big Game Watching
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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