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Sunrise Area
Sunrise Parking Lot, Mount Rainier National Park
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Sunrise Area, Mount Rainier National Park.
The Sunrise Area is Epic!
The Sunrise Area in Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most remarkable places in the park, and it gives visitors a completely different perspective of Mount Rainier than the Paradise and Longmire areas. Located on the northeast side of the mountain, Sunrise is the highest point in the park that can be reached by vehicle, sitting at about 6,400 feet in elevation. Because of this high elevation, the views are wide open, with excellent looks at Mount Rainier, Emmons Glacier, alpine meadows, rugged ridgelines, and distant peaks.
We really enjoy the Sunrise Area because there is so much to see and do from one central location. The Sunrise Visitor Center, picnic areas, and trailheads make this a great place to spend several hours, or even most of the day. During the summer months, the wildflowers can be outstanding, and the cooler mountain air makes this area especially enjoyable on a warm day.
Aside from the stunning scenery and wonderful visitor center, the Sunrise Area is home to some of our favorite hikes in the park, such as the Mount Freemont Lookout Trail, Burroughs Mountain Trail, Sourdough Ridge Trail and Dege Peak Trail. (see below for more info)
For visitors wanting big mountain scenery, great hikes, and unforgettable views, the Sunrise Area is definitely one of the top highlights of Mount Rainier National Park.
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We absolutely adore the Sunrise Area in Mount Rainier National Park.
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A view of the Sunrise Day Lodge and the mountains to the south.
Emmons Glacier is the largest glacier in the lower 48 states, and the best view of it is at Sunrise.
How to get to Sunrise
The Sunrise Area in Mount Rainier National Park is located on the northeast side of the park, and the main access is through the White River Entrance along State Route 410. From the west side of the mountains, most visitors reach Sunrise by driving through Enumclaw, then continuing east on State Route 410 toward Mount Rainier National Park. From the east side, visitors can reach the area by following State Route 410 over Chinook Pass toward the White River Entrance.
Once you enter Mount Rainier National Park at the White River Entrance, continue up Sunrise Road toward the Sunrise Visitor Center. This scenic mountain road climbs steadily through the forest before opening up to beautiful views of Mount Rainier, alpine meadows, and the surrounding peaks. The drive from the White River Entrance to Sunrise is about 14 to 15 miles, depending on where you begin measuring, and it is one of the most scenic drives in the park.
A look at the buildings located at Sunrise. The Sunrise Day Lodge is to the left, and Sunrise Visitor Center is to the right.
When does Sunrise open and close each year?
Because Sunrise sits at about 6,400 feet in elevation, the road is generally open only during the summer and early fall. In most years, Sunrise Road typically opens in late June or early July and closes in late September or early October, depending on snow and weather conditions. Before heading to Sunrise, always check the current Mount Rainier road status, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
Amenities at Sunrise
The Sunrise Area in Mount Rainier National Park offers several helpful amenities for visitors during the summer season, making it a great place to spend part of the day while exploring the northeast side of the park. The Sunrise Visitor Center is one of the main stops in the area, where visitors can find exhibits, park information, and helpful guidance from park staff when the facility is open. This is also a good place to learn more about the trails, wildlife, wildflowers, and mountain views that make Sunrise such a special part of Mount Rainier National Park.
Nearby, the Sunrise Day Lodge offers seasonal food and snacks, which can be very convenient for visitors spending time in the area. There are also restroom facilities located near the main parking area, along with picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the mountain setting.
Sunrise is also an important trailhead area, with access to several outstanding hikes, including the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, Sourdough Ridge Trail, and Burroughs Mountain Trail. Because Sunrise sits at about 6,400 feet in elevation, these amenities are generally available only during the summer and early fall. Visitors should always check current park conditions before driving to Sunrise.
We really enjoy spending time in the Sunrise Visitor Center.
The Sunrise Day Lodge provides snacks when it's open, but there is no longer a restaurant.
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The view to the south while standing in the parking lot at Sunrise.
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A mountain goat just above the Sunrise Visitor Center.
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A view to the south from the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier National Park.
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A view of the Sunrise Area from Sourdough Ridge.
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Our Favorite Day Hikes at Sunrise
Below are our favorite day hikes in the Sunrise Area. We've spent a lot of time here, and really fell in love with this area.
The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail begins near Sunrise and travels along Sourdough Ridge toward Frozen Lake before continuing to the historic Mount Fremont Fire Lookout, which was built in the 1930s. This trail is very popular because of its sweeping views, and the lookout itself is one of the classic hiking destinations in Mount Rainier National Park.
The Burroughs Mountain Trail is another outstanding Sunrise hike. This route climbs onto the broad, open slopes of First Burroughs and Second Burroughs, offering incredible close-up views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier. The trail is more challenging than many hikes in the area, but for those who are prepared, it can be one of the most memorable hiking experiences in the park.
The Sourdough Ridge Trail is a popular trail because it gives hikers big views without requiring a long or extremely difficult hike. Once on the ridge, visitors can hike east or west, depending on how much time and energy they have. The trail travels through open alpine terrain, and during the summer months, wildflowers often add even more beauty to the experience.
The Dege Peak Trail is reached by following Sourdough Ridge east from Sunrise. The hike to Dege Peak is about 4.2 miles round trip with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, and the summit offers impressive 360-degree views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors may see Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Adams, and other distant peaks. The trail is considered moderate, but the rewards are outstanding. For visitors wanting a shorter Sunrise hike with excellent scenery, Sourdough Ridge and Dege Peak are great choices.
This is the trailhead to the Mount Freemont Lookout, Burroughs Mountain Trail, Sourdough Ridge Trail and Dege Peak. It's located near the Sunrise Visitor Center.
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Mount Freemont Lookout in the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier National Park.
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A view along the Burroughs Mountain Trail in the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier National Park.
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A view along the Sourdough Ridge Trail in the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier National Park.
A look at the Dege Peak Trail in the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier National Park.
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A view along the Burroughs Mountain Trail in the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier National Park.
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