Dege Peak via Sourdough Ridge Trail

Dege Peak via Sourdough Ridge is a 4.2-mile out-and-back from the main Sunrise trailhead, with about 800 feet of gain. Allow around 2.5 hours. Most of the walk is an open ridge crossing; the final 200 feet to the summit is steeper and rockier. It is a good half-day choice if you want a real summit without committing to a long route.

Start on the north side of the Sunrise parking area, between the restrooms and the Day Lodge. Keep right as the service road climbs, then follow the broad gravel trail up the slope. At the signed Y in Yakima Park, take the right-hand, eastbound branch away from Mount Rainier. The other fork heads west toward Frozen Lake.

It is about half a mile from the Y to Sourdough Ridge. The path passes above Huckleberry Basin and below Antler Peak, with open meadow on both sides and little shade. After Antler, the northern view opens over the lakes. The saddle drops away sharply here, so keep children close. About two miles from the start, take the signed spur left toward Dege Peak and climb the last rocky 200 feet.

Dege Peak tops out around 7,006 feet, with a 360-degree view that takes in the Cowlitz Chimneys and several Cascade volcanoes; Mount Baker is visible on especially clear days. On the return, Mount Rainier and the long tongue of Emmons Glacier come into view again. A wide frame from the summit shows how the smaller ridges and lakes fit around the peak.

People were hunting and gathering in the high meadows around Sunrise at least 4,000 years ago. The Yakama people especially favored this area in summer. The broad slopes still open up in flowers in mid-to-late July, then turn to fall color from September. Listen for marmots near Antler Peak; mountain goats, deer, ground squirrels and birds also use these meadows, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Sunrise is a summer-only drive, usually open from July into September, with dates shifting with snow and conditions. The Day Lodge has seasonal food service and a gift shop, and the trailhead has seasonal flush toilets. The main lot can fill, and overflow parking is prohibited. Pets are not allowed on park trails.