Tolmie Peak Fire lookout has been on my list for quite sometime because it has lake views, a lookout tower, views of Mount Rainier, and the rest of the cascades.
Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park is stunning almost anytime of year. But hiking in the summertime takes the cake for me. Tolmie Peak Lookout has been on my list for quite sometime now, making it worth the wait to get here. The mountain is most likely to be out, more of the park is open, and wildflowers are abundant if you time it just right.
On this blog post you will find hiking information about Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout, a stunning hike that takes you through a beautiful forest to a vista of a lifetime.
Photos of me on this blog were taken by Emilie Hofferber
Where Is Tolmie Peak?
From Portland: 4 hours
From Seattle: 3 hours
The forest road to the trailhead is quite long and bumpy but nothing as strenuous as I read ahead of time. My friend parked her sprinter at the bottom to save us time as her sprinter would have taken much longer than it did in my Subaru Outback. If you take it slow enough and you have good tires you should be fine! Most recent trip reports can be found on Washington Trails Association.
What Is Tolmie Peak Hike?
Distance: 7.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 1,100 feet
Open: late-spring, summer, early fall
Dogs: not allowed
Pass: National Park Pass
What Can I Expect?
Since the road to Tolmie Peak lookout closes seasonally, it is important to check road closures ahead of time. The hike starts out hiking next to Mowich Lake through a beautiful forest that continues up and down through the forest before reaching to Eunice Lake. When we got to the lake in late August it was lined with stunning Lupine. Remember to stay on marked trails and do not go on other trails to get to lake viewpoint.
After we spent some time at Eunice Lake and and admired the tiny lookout above us, we headed up into the forest to Tolmie Peak Lookout Tower. Getting to the tower itself was well marked and the trail lead us there without needing navigation. This hike is quite popular so you most likely won’t be up here alone.
Can You Sleep at Tolmie Peak?
You cannot backpack or sleep overnight anywhere in this wilderness area. A section of the Wonderland Trail starts here, but even then there are no designated campsites around this hike whatsoever. Tolmie Peak Lookout Tower is locked and is for Rangers only. You’re allowed to sit on the ledge of the lookout tower and look around if the Ranger is open to it, just kindly ask!
Visiting Mount Rainier in August is my favorite time because of the wildflowers in bloom. Going during the week helps break up some of the crowding that happens this time of year. Plummer Peak is another hike that I love in this park, so if you have the time do check out my blog and go visit.
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