About
Length (round trip)8.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain3,400 ft up
Typical time3 hr 45 min
TrailheadHighway 123, east side
SurfaceRelentless exposed switchbacks
Best seasonThe road to access Shriner Peak Trailhead, SR 123, closes in the winter from the north via SR 410 at Chinook Pass to the south at the junction of SR 123 and Stevens Canyon Road.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe Shriner Peak Trail is a steep, narrow dirt path with several switchbacks.
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views

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 0.5 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

Tips
About five hours, 3,400 feet, and almost no shade or water on the entire climb. Start at dawn in summer.
Location

Highway 123, east side

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.