Palisades and Marcus Peak (Hard)

Come out for a hike and scramble near Mount Rainier!

Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,500 ft.
Difficulty: Hard

The Sunrise area of Mt. Rainier park has more to offer than just the popular hikes to the Fremont Lookout! From the scenic lookout on the way to the main parking lot, we will take the scenic Palisades lake trail past several picturesque lakes and over rolling hills. After a few miles, we’ll reach Hidden Lake, and from here we will follow a bootpath to two nearby summits. The Palisades are a broad ridge that is accessible from the south with some class 2 scrambling. Marcus Peak is a little more adventurous and involves some class 3 and loose rock. Both summits offer amazing views of Mount Rainier and the wonderful lakes and valleys of the national park.

This alltrails map goes to the lake, but it’s off trail after that:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/hidden-lake-spur-via-palisades-lake-trail

A more complete route is available on peakbagger:
https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2958482

Bring food, water, a jacket, and the other 10 essentials. A helmet is required for Marcus Peak!

Riders should give $20 to their drivers for gas. The road is paved and suitable for all cars. Bring a plastic bag to place your boots in after the hike.

Important Details For Drivers
A timed entry pass is necessary to enter the Sunrise entrance on the weekends. They release some of these passes on Friday evening at 7 pm. If you are a driver, please sign onto the website and purchase one on Friday. The cost is only $2. Aim for the early 7-9am time slot.

Recreation.gov website
https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10101917/ticket/10101918

We will only do this hike if the weather is good. If it is rainy or if we can not get the entry slips, I will switch to something in the I-90/ North Bend area.

Important: I am not a guide, and this is not a guided trip. You and yourself alone are responsible for your own safety. Please be conscious of your abilities before signing up.