Don’t Skip the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, there are several stunning areas to explore, but one of our favorites is Sunrise on the north side of the park. It may sound cliché, but it truly is a must-see spot. At roughly 6,400 feet, Sunrise is the highest point in the park you can reach by car and brings you face-to-face with the full majesty of Mount Rainier.
We’ve seen a lot of spectacular scenery while driving through national parks and public lands, but the view of Mount Rainier during the final half-mile approach to Sunrise is easily one of the most scenic stretches of road we’ve experienced anywhere. On a clear day, the mountain fills the skyline with its brilliant white glaciers streaked with patches of blue.
It’s only open for a short time each year
Unfortunately, to many visitors’ surprise and disappointment, the window to visit Sunrise is short each summer. The road is typically open only from early July through late September, though the exact dates change each year depending on conditions.
You’ll probably need a reservation
To manage visitor numbers, the park has implemented a timed-entry reservation system for Sunrise in the last few years. Be sure to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date requirements and get your reservation as early as possible. Even with reservations, this area gets busy. We suggest visiting midweek and arriving early in the day, if you can, to avoid the biggest crowds.
The hiking there is amazing
When you get there, stop by the day lodge and the small historic visitor center, then take a hike. Here are two of our personal favorites:
- Burroughs Mountain Trail: A hike through wide-open alpine terrain with nonstop views of Mount Rainier.
- Mount Fremont Lookout: This trail also features incredible views of the mountain plus a classic fire lookout tower as your destination. When rangers are on duty, go inside and learn how they spotted fires back in the day.
Both hikes offer incredible panoramic views, a good chance of seeing mountain goats, and plenty of wildflowers.
