Palisades Lake Trail

 

Palisades Lake Trail

• Distance, round trip: 7 miles
• Elevation gain: 1800 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 4-5 hours
• Wilderness camps: Dick's Lake, Upper Palisades Lake

Trailhead Location

Drive 10.5 miles beyond the White River Entrance to the parking area at Sunrise Point Overlook. Find the trailhead at the point's east end.

Trail Description

After a steep 0.5 mile descent along a slope which holds snow into late July, hikers have the choice of taking a short spur trail to Sunrise Lake or continuing on the main trail toward the Palisades Lakes. The trail climbs up and down for the rest of its length, passing Clover Lake 1.5 miles from the trailhead. It continues past Tom, Dick, and Harry Lakes and ends at Upper Palisades Lake. One mile before Upper Palisades Lake a spur trail leads to Hidden Lake. No camping is permitted at Hidden Lake.

This trail was named for an interesting rock formation called "The Palisades" which towers over the lakes near the trail's end.

Along the Trail

Although the Sourdough Mountains successfully block any view of Mount Rainier from this trail, hikers can easily spend all day enjoying the array of lakes, wildflowers, or huckleberries in season. Look for pikas and marmots in the talus slopes. Elk can often be heard bugling during the rutting season of early autumn and can sometimes be seen along the trail.

Backpacking

Camps are located at Dick Lake and Upper Palisades Lake. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

 

Hiking Safety