Berkeley Park Trail

Berkeley Park is a high-country out-and-back from Sunrise to Berkeley Park Camp, trading an open ridge traverse for a greener, creek-fed alpine basin. The mapped full walk is about 7.4 miles round-trip, with roughly 1,700 feet of climbing; allow five to six hours. Published mileage runs from 7 to 7.7 miles because the precise turnaround varies. This route follows the Northern Loop into the park to the camp area. The descent feels like the easy half; the climb back to Sunrise is the part to save energy for.

Start at the Sourdough Ridge trailhead on the north side of the main lot. Steps climb through an open green valley, then the trail turns onto Sourdough Ridge and runs along a high, exposed bench. Look back over Sunrise Valley and across Huckleberry Valley toward the Cascades. At Frozen Lake, follow the connecting trail along Burroughs Mountain's rocky north side to the junction; continue straight onto the Northern Loop rather than following the Wonderland Trail away from the park.

The route drops from the junction into a sheltered meadow basin with small creeks, flower-filled slopes and rock outcrops. Berkeley Park Camp lies farther down-valley; this saved route reaches the camp area and returns by the same trail. If you want a shorter outing, turn around when the upper meadows open instead of continuing to camp. Either way, you climb back over the ridge and descend the same stairs to Sunrise.

The change from windy, open ridge to lush basin is the park's surprise here. Paintbrush and lupine are among the easiest flowers to spot; heather, phlox, false hellebore and Cusick's speedwell add smaller patches of color. Peak bloom is usually mid to late July, with fall color possible in September. Marmots sun on rocks, and pikas are sometimes heard among the boulders; sightings and bloom timing vary. For a wide photo, include the rocky ridges around the basin rather than filling the frame only with flowers.

Sunrise Road is normally a summer-only access road, typically open July through September. The Sourdough Ridge trailhead is beside the Sunrise Day Lodge and seasonal flush restrooms. Carry water and treat any stream water before drinking. Pets are prohibited on park trails, and staying overnight at Berkeley Park Camp requires a reserved wilderness permit.