Mount Rainier in the summer is a sight to behold. By late August, colorful wildflowers explode, the sun stays out until far past 8 p.m. and the ice loses its possessive grip on the lakes that surround Sunrise.

I’ve compiled a list of five lakes in the Sunrise area ranging from a short walk to a strenuous all day hike.

1) Frozen Lake:

The aptly named Frozen Lake remains frozen all year and into early August when it thaws out just in time to become consumed by ice again in mid-September. Regardless of the stage of the ice melt, the lake is beautiful and so close to the lodge. From the Sunrise parking lot, take the ridge trail up to Sourdough Ridge and take a left. Follow the trail along the ridge for about half a mile until you see this lake in front of you framed by shale cliffs and a plethora of hiking trails.

2) Shadow Lake:

Shadow Lake is just over one mile from the Sunrise Lodge parking lot. Instead of taking the trail up the ridge, head to the other side of the parking lot and take the fire road down toward Sunrise Camp. Follow the trail straight ahead until it opens up onto the lake where marmots and deer frequently can be seen basking on its colorful banks.

3) Sunrise Lake

4) Forest Lake

If you have ever wanted to take a swim in a secluded alpine lake, hiking to Forest Lake is a must. This lake offers no spectacular mountain views or stunning wildflower meadows, but it features plenty of lush greenery and is one of the least crowded lakes in the area. Many a time I would take the two and a half mile hike from the parking lot, up and over the ridge and down into Huckleberry Basin to take a dip in the fresh water before a day at work.

5) Mystic Lake:

The hike to Mystic Lake is not for the faint of heart. The lake lies about 10 miles away from Sunrise Lodge at the end of a stretch of the Wonderland Trail that features almost constantly changing elevation. From the ridge trail’s terminus at Frozen Laken the trail to Mystic Lake begins. The trail winds through fields, up and over valleys, past waterfalls and riverbeds and through forests until it opens up on a spectacular vista featuring a crystal clear lake flanked by Mount Rainier’s glacial valleys. The view is one of the best you will ever witness, the 20-mile round-trip is more than worth it. If you so desire, camping is also available on it’s banks.