Sunrise

Sunrise, the northeastern section of Mount Rainier National Park, hosts many natural wonders and scenic treasures. Nestled high in Yakima Park, a series of bloom-filled subalpine meadows just under Sourdough Ridge, Sunrise has unobstructed views of Mount Rainier. As the name implies, from this angle and perch, the golden light of morning casts its warm glow on Mount Rainier, accentuating the contours of its massive glaciers, sliced crevasses, and jagged ridges. Radiant, Mount Rainier is visible from almost every hike in this section of the park, along with the jutting peak of Little Tahoma rising from its east flank. Several other dormant Cascade volcanoes can rise in the distance, including Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount Baker.

Although in many ways the panoramic views in Sunrise rival those found in any other section of the park, this highest point in the park accessible by car (6,400 feet) does not see the number of visitors drawn to Paradise. This means a bit more breathing room when on the trail and around the complex.

Sunrise does not offer lodging accommodations or fine dining, but it does house the Sunrise Ranger Station, the Sunrise Visitor Center, and a snack bar and gift shop. These facilities serve people of all abilities, as does the trail system, with difficulty levels ranging from very easy to very technical. Even a short walk will take you into the alpine zones around Sunrise and enter terrain similar to that found in the arctic tundra, but those able to go farther are treated to up-close looks at the Emmons Glacier from Burroughs Mountain, the huge flowery expanse of Grand Park, or the magical meadows of Summerland.

Whatever your plans in Sunrise, make sure you get there by morning, for that is when it really shines.

Mount Rainier rises above the White River Valley near the summit of Crystal Peak (Hike 35).