Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout — Attraction in Prairie Ridge

Absolutely awesome hike! We lucked out and hiked up to the lookout on a perfect late summer’s day- sunny but cool with barely a cloud in the sky and beautiful views out to Mt Rainier. We were a little unsure of what to expect in terms of difficulty (All Trails ranked this “moderate” which we’ve found to be quite an all-encompassing category) and- while we did need to stop to catch our breath from time to time- we were very pleased to find that the hike was incredibly well maintained and relatively easy to complete. We saw many different body shapes and age ranges on the hike, each with their own pace but everyone we saw made it to the lookout. About half way into the hike you come by a lake, you will notice two things: 1.) how clear the water is, and 2.) how tiny and far away the lookout appears to be. Fret not, the lookout is deceptively close by; perhaps another 30 minutes of uphill climb at a doable angle. The view at the lookout is sensational and such a reward for the 2 hours or so it took us to reach (we were not in a hurry). We enjoyed a snack at the base of the lookout touring the lookout itself and returning back down the hill. We stopped for a quick swim in the lake and couldn’t recommend this more highly. The first two minutes are painfully cold but then your body numbs and the water is beautiful, it really added a pep to our step on the return leg of the hike. We hiked this on a Sunday when a lot of other people were on the trail but everyone was respectful and nice so it was...

Camped at Lake Mowich and hiked up the next day. Happened to be a rare, beautiful first weekend in October for the PNW. There are 2 main elevation gains of about 500’ each. The hike is easy to follow and is not super difficult.

There are a few parts where it is just roots, another where you have to stretch a little to get up some bigger rocks. After that it is pretty smooth up to lake Eunice and then you have the second elevation gain up to the fire lookout. That one is pretty easy.

I would recommend knee braces and trekking poles if you have bad knees. I would still wear them or at least use poles to help prevent bad knees from happening sooner.

From Lake Mowich it is about a 7.4 mile round trip. There is a trailhead where most people park. Starting there will be about 1.5 miles less of a hike. Should take about an hour and half each way for moderate to beginner hikers.

There was some wildlife out and about. No bears while I was there fortunately.

One of the most rewarding hikes, especially if it is your first time and you get there before the clouds clear out, like I did. The pictures don’t do it justice because Rainier appears much closer than in the pictures. As the clouds clear out it takes your breath away when you realize just how close and how...

Arrived at the trailhead around 9:30am on Monday. Parking was a little packed for a weekday, and the trail was quite busy as well but not terrible. The road is roughly 15 miles of uphill gravel, and some reviews say it's super rough, but I disagree. I made it just fine going 20-30mph in my little Honda Civic! There are a few bumpy spots where you do need to slow down and be careful, but you will be fine. However, it is very dusty, which can create low visibility, and if you're nervous about people trailing behind you, there are a couple spots you can pull over as it is wide enough. Also, know that there are no toilets or bathrooms at the Tolmie trailhead, only at Mowich Lake. The hike was downhill at first with some uphill spots and pretty rooty, so watch your step. There is some decent incline to Eunice Lake, but it is pretty shaded, and the lake is fun to swim in! Once past the lake, it's uphill all the way to the fire lookout with some exposed trail. I did not see any bears today but did get chased multiple times by some wasps, so beware of that! Now, the best part is most definitely the view of Rainier with the trees and lake below, and it is so worth the sweat and sore muscles....