Grand Park is a unique geological formation created by [something mumble lava flow ok I admit I don't really know]. It's a large (mile long, half mile wide) open space, perfectly flat and devoid of trees. It looks manicured, as if a Jane Austen character might appear at any moment taking their promenade around the manor grounds.

At the right time of year this park is full of wildflowers. It provides beautifully framed Rainier summit views when the weather cooperates. It's also famous for wildlife sightings (in my case, a herd of elk).

The hike starts at Sunrise. Head along Sourdough Ridge to Frozen Lake, then follow a section of the Wonderland Trail through a desolate tundra landscape below the cliffs of Burroughs Mountain. Just under a mile past Frozen Lake, turn north onto the Northern Loop trail, which descends through the delightful and lush Berkeley Park. The trail parallels the babbling Lodi Creek, eventually dropping below the tree line near the Berkeley Park backcountry campsite. Be sure to refill waterbottles before leaving Lodi Creek, as there is no reliable water source at Grand Park. After more descent through forest, the trail climbs through an area that was overflowing with ridiculous amounts of bear grass when I hiked it. The forest gives way to meadows, with a spur trail to the right taking you into the center of Grand Park.

(if you go left here instead, that's the Northern Loop, which is a story for another day)

You can also reach Grand Park via Lake Eleanor from the north, which is shorter but less scenic than this route from Sunrise.