Hike of the Week: Sun Top
Sun Top
From the summit, Rainier’s the “star!”
Hike of the Week
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 24, 2004
Quick FactsLocation: White River Valley
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 10.4 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
Access: From Enumclaw head east on SR 410. Before the Dalles Campground turn right on Forest Road 73. Proceed to Sun Top Sno-Park.
Notes: Sno-Park Pass required
Green Trails Map: Greenwater, WA No. 238 or as part of the “Pass Country” Map Pack.
On a cold winter’s day, what destination can possibly sound more inviting than a peak named Sun Top? Rising above the White River Valley and within the rainshadow of Mount Rainier, this 5,271-foot peak does indeed receive its share of solar rays. But from December to May it’s blessed with snow too-a good amount of it. And with a nice mix of sun and snow, Sun Top makes for a good winter adventure.
But you’ll want to don snowshoes or skis to make this trip. A hiking trail heads for the summit, but it won’t be your winter route. Instead, you’ll attain the lofty reaches of Sun Top via Forest Road 7315, which when covered with snow is transformed into a quiet ski and snowshoe trail. And consider this-by using this winter route, your journey to the sun will be just over 5 miles. The trail takes 8-fine during summer-but during the months of short daylight hours-not a good option.
Undulating between clearcuts and old-growth forest, the way to Sun Top climbs steadily but sanely. Five miles from the Sno-Park you’ll come to a saddle on the ridge that houses the peak. Buried in snow and escaping your notice is the trail-which intersects the road here. The peak lies a short distance away to your right (north). From this point on you’ll want to follow the actual trail to the summit. Why? Because, the road (winter route) crosses an area prone to avalanches. The trail however shoots directly up the open summit to the old fire lookout-avoiding any dangerous slopes. On snow shoes it’s straightforward. On skis it may be difficult-consider changing modes of transportation from this point.
But no matter how you arrive at the summit-if the sun is out, you’ll be welcome with shining views. Directly below you is the deeply cut Huckleberry Creek Valley. To the west, the Clearwater Wilderness Peaks spread out. But more than likely your eyes will be drawn to the south-fixed on and mesmerized by Mount Rainier. Your view of the snowy colossal is unobstructed. You’ll soon agree that the scenery is simply stellar from Sun Top!
From the summit, Rainier’s the “star!”
Hike of the Week
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 24, 2004
Quick FactsLocation: White River Valley
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 10.4 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
Access: From Enumclaw head east on SR 410. Before the Dalles Campground turn right on Forest Road 73. Proceed to Sun Top Sno-Park.
Notes: Sno-Park Pass required
Green Trails Map: Greenwater, WA No. 238 or as part of the “Pass Country” Map Pack.
On a cold winter’s day, what destination can possibly sound more inviting than a peak named Sun Top? Rising above the White River Valley and within the rainshadow of Mount Rainier, this 5,271-foot peak does indeed receive its share of solar rays. But from December to May it’s blessed with snow too-a good amount of it. And with a nice mix of sun and snow, Sun Top makes for a good winter adventure.
But you’ll want to don snowshoes or skis to make this trip. A hiking trail heads for the summit, but it won’t be your winter route. Instead, you’ll attain the lofty reaches of Sun Top via Forest Road 7315, which when covered with snow is transformed into a quiet ski and snowshoe trail. And consider this-by using this winter route, your journey to the sun will be just over 5 miles. The trail takes 8-fine during summer-but during the months of short daylight hours-not a good option.
Undulating between clearcuts and old-growth forest, the way to Sun Top climbs steadily but sanely. Five miles from the Sno-Park you’ll come to a saddle on the ridge that houses the peak. Buried in snow and escaping your notice is the trail-which intersects the road here. The peak lies a short distance away to your right (north). From this point on you’ll want to follow the actual trail to the summit. Why? Because, the road (winter route) crosses an area prone to avalanches. The trail however shoots directly up the open summit to the old fire lookout-avoiding any dangerous slopes. On snow shoes it’s straightforward. On skis it may be difficult-consider changing modes of transportation from this point.
But no matter how you arrive at the summit-if the sun is out, you’ll be welcome with shining views. Directly below you is the deeply cut Huckleberry Creek Valley. To the west, the Clearwater Wilderness Peaks spread out. But more than likely your eyes will be drawn to the south-fixed on and mesmerized by Mount Rainier. Your view of the snowy colossal is unobstructed. You’ll soon agree that the scenery is simply stellar from Sun Top!
"A skier takes a lunch break near the summit of Sun Top"
