I promised to tell about the beautiful hikes at Sunrise, and now that Sunrise has been thoroughly introduced, tell I will.

In most national parks, hikes close to the lodge are usually so short and easy that they take less than an hour and are not worth the little bit of time they take. However, the first hike I will tell you about, while it is close to the lodge, it is worth hiking.

Hike number one will be the hike to Dege Peak.

The hike to Dege is roughly four miles round-trip and hugs Sunrise Road (and unfortunately the cars on it). Despite these signs of civilization, it can still pose a nice challenge for the average hiker.

Tourists and locals alike are divided on how to pronounce the name of this hike, but they all agree that this hike offers some of the most spectacular views in the area with the least effort.

The view from the top of Dege Peak affords a view of Mount Rainier that dwarfs the tiny Sunrise Lodge, sitting 8,000 feet below Rainier’s summit. Views of Mount Adams, Sunrise Lake and plenty of mountain goats are also common.

Once you reach the top of the ridge, the trail weaves in and out and up and down between the tree line and the barren tundra landscapes. Forget the sound of the cars on Sunrise Road far below and look for chipmunks and marmots zipping through the rocks and roots.

After almost two miles along the top of the ridge, a 0.1 mile trail swerves off to the left. Do not be fooled by the short distance though, this spur heads up a steep incline, taking you up to the 7,000-foot high summit of Dege Peak in just a few switchbacks.

Once you are at the top, find a rock and shake off the deceptively steep last tenth of mile, then take a look at the 360-degree views around you. The cliché 360-degree view saying, I know, I went there. From this point you can see Sunrise Lake 1200 feet below you, Mount Adams about 50 miles to the South and the entirety of Sunrise Road from Sunrise Point to the lodge.

After admiring the crystal-clear view afforded by the crisp, clean Cascade Mountain air, go down the switchbacks to the main trail. Hang a right to take you back to the lodge, or go left and walk a little less than a mile to Sunrise Point before heading back.