As of August 7, 2026:

Grand Park 2 Fire – There is an active fire near Grand Park in the northeast area of the park. Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Other nearby fires:
- Backbone Fire – Smoke from Backbone Fire has been spotted from SR 123 outside of the park.
- Additional fires are active across the Pacific Northwest region.
Wildland Fire Resources
- For a broad view of official wildland fire incidents happening in or around the park, visit the intragency information map: InciWeb on Wildfire.gov.
- For road, area, or trail closures related to wildland fires happening in or around the park, visit: Alerts and Conditions.

A Scenic Backdoor into Grand Park

As high-elevation roads close for winter, many trails in Mount Rainier National Park become inaccessible. But Grand Park via Lake Eleanor remains a solid option—an underrated backdoor into one of the park’s most stunning meadows. This hike delivers expansive views, wildflowers, and a memorable encounter with the Mountain, all without the summer crowds at Sunrise. Distance: 7.5–9.2 mi RT (depending on turnaround point).

Getting to the Trailhead

From Enumclaw, drive east on SR 410 for 24.8 miles to Huckleberry Creek Road (FS 73). Turn right and follow the gravel road for about 10 miles. The Lake Eleanor Trailhead is on the left; parking is on the right. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park.

Note: FS 73 starts off in good shape but gets rougher with elevation. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The road gains 2,200 feet and has steep drop-offs in sections—avoid it if you’re uncomfortable with heights.

Trail Overview

The trail starts at 4,443 feet in second-growth forest, with soggy ground in the early stretch. It’s an easy walk through shaded woods. In spring, trilliums line the trail. Come summer, white rhododendrons bloom thick along the path.

After just over a mile, you’ll reach Lake Eleanor—a quiet alpine lake with a small campground. This is a great spot for a snack break. The trail continues on the left side of the campground, though signage can be faint.

Into the Meadows

About 1.7 miles in, the trail breaks out of the trees and into an open meadow at 4,900 feet (N 46° 59′ 06″, W 121° 39′ 05″). You’ll catch your first peek at Mount Rainier here. While tempting to think you’ve arrived, this is just a teaser. Some call it “Baby Grand Park.”

From this point, the trail dips through a small valley, crosses a creek, and begins a steady (at times steep) climb to the real highlight.

Arrival at Grand Park

At 3.6 miles, you’ll emerge into Grand Park (elevation 5,600 ft). This massive, mile-and-a-half-long meadow feels surreal—flat, open, and framed by jagged ridges. Subalpine wildflowers carpet the ground in mid-summer, though timing the bloom can be tricky.

You’ll find scattered alpine trees and ghostly remnants of those that didn’t survive the harsh climate. The view of Mount Rainier here is outstanding. You’ll see Winthrop Glacier dead ahead, the Willis Wall to the right, and landmarks like Skyscraper Mountain, Burroughs, and Fremont to the left.

Tips and Considerations

Best Time to Go: July through early October for wildflowers and dry trail conditions.
Weather: Conditions can change quickly. Even if the trailhead is dry, snow is possible at higher elevations—especially early or late in the season.
Road Conditions: Call ahead to confirm FS 73 is open and drivable.

Alternate Route to Grand Park

The Wonderland Trail from Sunrise also leads to Grand Park. But at seven miles one way, it’s better suited to backpackers or long-distance day hikers.

To truly appreciate Grand Park from above, hike Dege Peak or Mount Fremont out of Sunrise and look north. From that angle, the massive flat meadow stands out like a manicured lawn in the middle of rugged backcountry.

Waypoints

Trailhead: 46.99643774609842, -121.64170409217682
Lake Eleanor: N 46° 59′ 24″, W 121° 39′ 18″
Baby Grand Meadow: N 46° 59′ 06″, W 121° 39′ 05″
Grand Park: N 46° 57′ 59″, W 121° 40′ 32″

Trail Etiquette and Safety

Grand Park via Lake Eleanor is a stunning hike, but it’s also fragile. As this trail becomes more popular, visitor behavior matters more than ever. Here’s how to recreate responsibly:

Stay on the Trail: Most of this hike is single-track, meaning there’s only space for one person at a time. Do not walk side-by-side if it means stepping off-trail. It may seem harmless, but it tramples wildflowers and creates scar trails that damage the ecosystem and encourage others to do the same. Wait for wider sections, or hike single file.
No Dogs Allowed: This trail begins in the national forest but enters Mount Rainier National Park, where dogs are not allowed on any trails. Bringing a pet is a violation of park regulations and puts wildlife at risk.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no trash cans along this trail. Anything you bring with you—including food wrappers, fruit peels, and tissues—must be packed out and disposed of properly. Leave the trail better than you found it.
Restroom Access: A basic trail toilet is located at the Lake Eleanor campground. It’s the only facility on the route, so plan accordingly before heading into the meadows.
Sun and Shade: The first section of the trail is shaded, but once you climb into the meadows, there’s no tree cover. Bring sun protection and extra water—this is a full-sun hike for long stretches.
Expect Mosquitos: Wildflowers attract pollinators—and mosquitos are pollinators, too. They were thick in the meadows on a recent early-summer hike. Pack insect repellent and consider long sleeves or netting.

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