Mount Rainier National Park – Sunrise

on April 02, 2024

Introduction:

What? :

On the south side, the Paradise Visitor Center sits at 5,400 ft. On the north side, the Sunrise Visitor Center located in much higher elevation of 6,400 ft. The road to Sunrise is one of the highest drivable roads in the entire state of Washington.

The Sunrise area is only open for about 3 months each year, early July to late September. In this short season, Sunrise offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Range, many hiking options in all difficulty level, open alpine wildflower meadows, and potential wildlife viewing.

As it name suggests, is also one of the first places in the park that capture morning light. Perfect place to visit at early morning when the sun light Mount Rainier from the east but also excellent location for sunset.

Where? :

Sunrise visitor center is located at the end of a 14 miles park road on the northeast section of the park.

Google Map Link

When? :

The park is open year-round, but Sunrise area is close most of the year because of deep snow coverage.

The Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early July and closes in late September to early October.

Check the road status before setting out:

https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/road-status.htm

Due note 1: The Sunrise Visitor Center has exhibits, gift store, restrooms, and small general services store.

Due note 2: Always check trail conditions with a park ranger and online before hiking. Many trails may be partially or entirely covered in snow.

Due note 3: Pet are not allowed on trails.

Due note 4: Don’t step off trail, stepping off trail can lead to erosion and kill fragile plant life.

Due note 5: The weather in high elevation can change dramatically over short time, come prepared for cold and warm weather. Make sure to wear proper clothing and footwear and pack extra food and water.

Due note 6: This is a very popular park area and parking can be limited. Come here as early as you can, at mid-day weekend at summer months entering this park section can be limited. When I came here during warm and nice fall weekend the entrance to this section was overcrowded and there was a 1-hour line of car near the road entrance. I change my plans and visit this location at the afternoon.

Due note 7: Along you drive up to Sunrise, do not block the narrow road and park only in designated parking areas.

Additional Blogs on Mount Rainier National Park:

My thoughts:

When I came here during warm and nice fall weekend, I planned to start my visit at the park in this area. The entrance to this section was overcrowded and there was a 1-hour line of car near the road entrance.

I change my plans and instead drove to Paradise area and visit this location late at the afternoon on my way back.

I arrived just before sunset, so I did not have the time to do a real hike here or to see all the things this area offer. It was only a taste from the things this amazing area can offer.

I did manage to see from rally close a big mountain goat and spend with it 20 minutes, one of the most nature bonding moments I ever had.

I’m sure I will visit this place again.

The visit:

Sunrise is one of the most popular are in the park allowing visitors easy access to alpine meadows and spectacular views of Mount Rainier’s north face and it massive glaciers.

You will not be the only one here, my advice is to come here as early as you can.

Sunrise Road (14 miles long, about 30 minutes’ drive) starts at the White River Entrance, you will first wind through an old growth forest, after a short drive you will cross to the other side of the river and start to climb up.

The road ascend through the forest and after few switchbacks it enter the subalpine zone. At the sharp left bend in the road, stop at Sunrise Point. Here cross carefully the road and walk to the viewing platform, enjoy the views to the east. On a clear day you can see Mount Adams and the North Cascades.

Soon after you will reach the open section of the alpine meadows and the end of the road large parking lot at Sunrise.

There is extensive network of hiking trails starting from Sunrise.

The trails range from short and easy that can feet anyone to long and challenging.

I arrived here late at the afternoon, just before sunset so I manage to do only a very short hike.

I went up to Nature Trail which has great views just from the starting point. I started walking to the east and then west, it was 1.5 miles long hike.

Head uphill and to the right and walk up to the ridgeline. Connect to the Sourdough Ridge Trail that continues in either direction, this section of the trail provide open sweeping views of the cascade mountain range.

Here you can turn left and walk west as far as you want.

In this section of the hike, I did manage to see from rally close a big mountain goat and spend with it 20 minutes, one of the most nature bonding moments I ever had.

For more pictures and short description see my blog.

When you had enough of the hiking turn around and hike back to the visitor center.

The half mile Sunrise Rim Trail and 0.8-mile Silver Forest Trail are other easy hiking options, provide views of the glaciers and Mount Rainier’s summit and the canyon of White River Valley below.

One of the most popular hikes is the one leading out and back to Mount Fremont fire tower.

I arrived here just before sunset, so I did not have the time to do a real hike or to see all the things this area offer. It was only a taste from the things this amazing area can offer.

I’m sure I will visit this place again.

www:

https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm

https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/a-day-in-sunrise.htm

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