Panoramic views make Shriner Peak Trail worth the strenuous hike to the Shriner Peak Fire Lookout. The view from the top offers commanding views of Mount Rainier, Ohanapecosh Valley, and the Cascade Range. Along the trail, you’ll find brilliant fall foliage, colorful summer wildflowers, and wild strawberries in the fire-exposed meadows. At 2.5 miles in, there is a view of Mount Rainier's east side.
Although this trail begins in the forest, it soon climbs into an old burn area that is open and shadeless. The trail climbs steeply through open burn areas that offer little shade from the summer sun. Be sure to bring plenty of water and start your hike early in the day to avoid the hottest afternoon hours.
For 2.5 miles the trail continues its steep ascent to the top of the ridge. Still no shade, but a slight breeze sometimes makes the hike more bearable from here on. After a.5 mile walk along the ridge top, the route becomes a series of steep switchbacks for the final climb to the lookout.
The trail continues south of the fire lookout to Shriner Peak Camp, a wilderness camping area with two individual campsites (with a capacity of five people each) at an elevation of 5,355 feet. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.
Trail Statistics
* Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
* Elevation gain: 3,434 feet
* Hiking time: ~5 hours
* Difficulty Level: Strenuous
* Wilderness Camp: Shriner Peak
Rules & Regulations
* Pets are not allowed on trails
* No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay)
* No bicycles on trails
* Pack out trash
* Do not feed or disturb wildlife
* Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features
* Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service