Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
900.00 ft (274.32 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
6.80 mi (10.94 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

At 7.5 miles round-trip, the Palisades Lake Trail is an excellent hike if you are in Mount Rainier National Park planning for a moderate hike that lacks nothing in terms of beautiful alpine scenery. Leaving from Sunrise Point, where you'll have stunning views of Rainier's Sourdough Mountains, the Enchantments, and the North Cascades, this trail plunges into a basin blessed with multiple pristine lakes, wildflower meadows, and healthy populations of wildlife. The trail weaves back and forth from lake to lake, some accessible via short spurs; Sunrise, Clover, Tom, Dick and Harry Lakes, and Hidden Lake are some of the named lakes you'll see before you encounter Upper Palisade Lake (west) and Lower Palisades Lake (northeast) at the end of the trail. The trail undulates through sections of dense forest and open clearings, giving this hike a wonderful variety.

As is the case with many hikes in this area, access depends on snowpack. Camping is allowed with a wilderness permit at Dick Lake and at Upper Palisade Lake. Note that dogs are not allowed on trails in the park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Multiple pristine alpine lakes.

Cons

No views of Mount Rainier.

Trailhead Elevation

6,040.00 ft (1,840.99 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Big Game Watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Big Game Watching

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/12/2016
Beautiful weekend to be at Sunrise. Halvor's description of the Palisades is on point. Bring your camera as you will want to capture these views.
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