Mount Rainier comes alive with color as wildflower meadows bloom

It only happens a few weeks a year, and we're not talking about a super sale. This weekend, take a hike and take advantage of the limited opportunity to view Mount Rainier's meadows of wildflowers, which flourish in late July and early August.

It's nearly impossible to predict how long the wildflowers will stick around every year, but rangers at Sunrise Visitor Center are confident that hikers will be able to view them in full bloom for at least another week.

One of the best places to frolic in wildflower meadows is the Palisades Lake Trail near Sunrise. This pretty, meandering seven-mile-round-trip hike takes you past alpine lakes, gurgling streams, fields of flowers and picturesque glades before ending at a lake that's perfect for a picnic.

Palisades Lake Trail starts from the parking lot at Sunrise Point, a popular scenic stop on the road up to the Sunrise Visitor Center. Sunrise Point has incredible views of the mountain --which looms larger-than-life on clear days -- as well as other forested ridges and the White River thousands of feet below in the valley.

Take photos now; once you're on the trail, views of Mount Rainier are blocked by the Sourdough Mountains, but there are still plenty of craggy peaks and distant vistas.

The trail first leads you a steep half-mile down to Sunrise Lake. Skip the optional spur to circle Sunrise Lake (there will be plenty of lake views to come) and continue on a mile through pleasant, sunny meadows to the scenic Clover Lake. After skirting the lake, the trail climbs up a ridge, and then passes Dick Lake (where camping is allowed).

About 2.7 miles from the trailhead, you have a choice: Continue on the trail to Upper Palisades Lake, or take the spur detour to Hidden Lake (both are about a half mile further). While each has its charms, Hidden Lake is often uncrowded and is one of the prettiest lakes in the area. As a bonus, the trail up to it leads you past a flower-lined waterfall.

Expect to see a rainbow of wildflowers -- it's hard to know which ones will be in bloom on any particular day, but a recent visit highlighted lupine and scarlet paintbrush. Other potential finds include buttercups, moneyflowers, beargrass, heather and more. You may also see critters like marmots and chipmunks along the trail.

Hiking the Palisades Lakes Trail isn't terribly difficult, but some uphill portions will be strenuous for a person who's out of shape, and the hike is unsuitable for folks in wheelchairs and young children, though older kids who like to hike won't find it too grueling. Pets are not allowed on the trail.

Expect the total round-trip hike to take about four hours (more if you pack a picnic, of course), and be sure to bring plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. To get there, take the White River Entrance to the park and drive 10.5 miles to the Sunrise Point parking area. The Palisades Lake trailhead is on the east side of the point.

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