Sun Top Lookout

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Status:	Seasonal Closure
Typically Open:	06/15 - 11/15
Permit Information:	Permit Required - Click Here
Length:	5.89 miles
Highest Elevation:	5280 feet
Duration:	About 40 minutes
Shape of Trail:	Out & Back
Best Direction to Travel:	N/A
Nearest Town:	Greenwater
Nearest Town w/ Services:	Greenwater
Official Road Name:	7315
Management Agency:	Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest
District:	Enumclaw Ranger Station

Highlights

SunTop lookout Fire Station is a must-visit for an awesome view of Mt. Rainier and a chance to view a piece of history. Built in 1933, the lookout station is manned and maintained by volunteer organizations during the summer months keeping watch for forest fires in the surrounding valleys. The views are the highlight of this location. Once at the top you have an amazing view of Mt. Rainier 10 miles to the south as well as the valleys below. The drive up is very steep and rises over 3000 feet in just 5 miles but the road is very well maintained. During your ascent, you will travel through some old-growth forest and some areas that have recently been harvested. Your chances of encountering elk and deer are very good so care and vigilance should be taken during your drive.

Video

Route Information

Technical Rating

( EASY )

Waypoints

1. Trailhead Start (0 mi)

There is a large parking area at the intersection of NF-7315 and FS-73, easily identified by the kiosk at the far end. This is a great place to air down tires. The actual start of this drive is at the Y intersection ahead making a left turn onto NF-7315.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Greenwater, Washington

Drive East from Enumclaw on State Route 410. At the Greenwater General Store zero your odometer and continue east on 410. At 6.6 miles turn west onto Forest Service Road 73 (FS-73). Stay to the left at the Y just after entering FS-73. Cross a single lane bridge over the White River and there is a Vault toilet on the right just past the bridge. There are several turnoffs but you want to follow the main FS-73 road for 1.2 miles to the trailhead. There is a fairly large parking area and a seasonal gate. This is a nice area to air down if you prefer. Just beyond the gate is a Y intersection and FS-7315 is to the left. There are road signs for Sun Top as well as marking FS-7315.

Camping

Dispersed

Trail Reviews (11)

Questions & Answers (0)

Writer Information

Michael Graham

Mapping Crew - Washington

Michael Graham is retired from the U.S. Army as an Infantry First Sergeant with 23 years of service. He did a tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He presently owns a Process Service Company in Tacoma. He is originally from Upstate New York but after being stationed in Washington knew immediately that this part of the county felt like home. He had a Jeep CJ5 as his first 4x4 but back in the 80's there wasn't a lot of hype and add-on parts as there are today. Building your rig is half the fun, making it your own style. He has actually found it to be an addiction. He lives in the Pacific Northwest, in the Tacoma / Puyallup area and loves the sport of "wheeling" which allows access to so much more than a hiking trailhead. He enjoys organized rides and poker runs and the freedom and exploration this sport allows. Finding this website and authoring trail write-ups has really enhanced this sport for him. If you are new to the sport or just looking for someone to show you the trails he would love to hear from you.

Greenwater, Washington (Pierce County)