Pros & cons
PROS
- Multiple lakes in one hike (Clover plus Hidden) with easy lakeside lunch spots
- Starts high, so you get alpine meadows and views with moderate effort
CONS
- Reverse profile means most climbing hits on the way back
- Slick stream crossings require careful footwork
Park at Sunrise Point along Sunrise Road via the White River entrance; arrive early as the lot fills quickly.
Two short but potentially slick stream crossings; exposed meadows offer little shade; be bear-aware and give wildlife space; the uphill return can feel tougher than expected.
Overview
This is a classic Sunrise-area day hike with an excellent effort-to-reward ratio. The Hidden Lake Trail runs about 6.5 miles round-trip, gaining roughly 1,600 feet overall. Expect a bit of everything Mount Rainier’s high country is known for: open, flower-charged meadows, pockets of subalpine forest, clear mountain lakes, and wide-open views that, on clear days, frame Mount Rainier itself.
Route Snapshot
Start from Sunrise Point (accessible via the White River entrance; approx. 46.8754, -121.5181). The path initially descends from the high trailhead (~6,100 feet), then rolls through meadows and forest, passing small lakes like Clover Lake before a signed spur leads you to tree-rimmed Hidden Lake. The tread is a well-maintained singletrack with a few rocky stretches and two small stream crossings where algae can make rocks slick—step carefully. Out-and-back means you’ll return the same way.
What It Feels Like
Don’t be fooled by the gentle start: because the hike begins high and goes downhill first, the climb back to Sunrise Point makes the return leg the workout. That said, it’s a steady, manageable grade for most fit beginners and up. Lakeside shores offer natural lunch spots and good breaks. Wildlife sightings are part of the charm—deer are fairly common, and black bears do pass through; give all animals plenty of space.
Scenery, Flora, and Geology
Mid-summer meadows can be a riot of wildflowers, broken up by cool, shaded segments of subalpine forest. The lakes sit in classic glacially shaped terrain typical of Rainier’s high country—think soft, rolling uplands and old moraines, with big skyline ridges framing the scene. On a bluebird day, expect intermittent views of Mount Rainier as you move between meadows and trees.
Best Time to Hike
July through September is the sweet spot: the trail is typically snow-free, flowers are prime, and days are long. Early summer can hold lingering snow patches; late fall can bring early snow or mud. Start early—parking at Sunrise Point fills fast on weekends, and morning light across the meadows and lakes is hard to beat.
Know Before You Go
- Out-and-back, 6.5 miles total; allow about half a day with snack/photo time.
- No toilets along the trail; plan accordingly before you head out.
- Bring sun protection and enough water—alpine meadows don’t offer much shade.
- Two short stream crossings can be slippery; trekking poles help.
- Pets aren’t allowed on national park trails. A park entrance pass is required.
Who Will Love It
Hikers who want Sunrise-area meadows and multiple lake views without a huge day will be happy here. If you’re feeling strong, you can continue along the broader Palisades Lakes network for more lakes and mileage—otherwise, Hidden Lake is a satisfying turnaround on its own.
Wildlife on this trail
Near Hidden Lake Trail
All places →All trails →
ParadiseMeadows, mountain views, and trailheads at the park's classic hubVisitor Center · Restroom
Mount Fremont Fire LookoutHigh-alpine historic lookout with sweeping Rainier and meadow viewsScenic Viewpoint
Panorama PointBig mountain views from a steep Skyline Trail lookoutScenic Viewpoint
1st Burroughs MountainClose Emmons Glacier views from a broad alpine plateauScenic Viewpoint
Wonderland TrailA brutal, jaw-dropping 93-mile loop around a giant of iceChallenging · 93 mi · 240 hr
Skyline TrailParadise’s crown‑jewel loop of meadows, glaciers, and big viewsChallenging · 5.5 mi · 4 hr
Upper Skyline TrailRainier’s classic high route: wildflowers, glaciers, and big viewsChallenging · 5.5 mi · 4 hr
Panorama Point via Skyline TrailFront row Rainier views on a stout, spectacular loop from ParadiseChallenging · 5.5 mi · 4 hr
