Mt Rainier - Sunrise

Sunrise, Mt Rainier

Sunrise is a 3-hour drive south of Seattle, on the northeastern side of Mt Rainier.  The road to Sunrise is only open a few months a year, so please check the status of Sunrise Road before leaving.

Upon arriving at Sunrise in summer, visitors will be greeted with soaring views of the east face of Mt Rainier, open meadows carpeted in wildflowers, and a rustic Day Lodge. Bring binoculars to witness climbers ascending Emmons Glacier, the second most popular climbing route up Rainier.

Should I visit Sunrise or Paradise at Mt Rainier?

Mt Rainier in Washington State has two main visitor destinations, Sunrise (6,400 feet) and Paradise (5,400 feet). 

Paradise has more amenities than Sunrise, including the historic Paradise Inn, restaurant, cafe and Henry Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, and is the only destination with overnight lodging. The other key difference is that Sunrise is only open for a short window each year, whereas Paradise is usually open year round. 

However, the key benefit to Sunrise is that it's significantly less crowded than Paradise, and provides a greater sense of solitude.

Things to do at Sunrise

There are many spectacular hikes at Sunrise; including Shadow Lake, Frozen Lake and trails with great vantage points of Emmons Glacier.  Hikes range from 20-minutes to multi-day, and you might also consider a ranger-guided walk.  The Ranger Station is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Sunrise Day Lodge, and Park Rangers can assist with information on hikes.

If you don't wish to hike, sit inside the cafe at the historic Sunrise Day Lodge and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Mt Rainier, Emmons Glacier and the Cascades (check opening times here or call 360 663 2425).

Closest lodging to Sunrise, at Crystal Mountain

There is no overnight lodging at Sunrise, therefore consider lodging at nearby Crystal Mountain.  Some choices include Alta Crystal Resort, Crystal Mountain Lodging Suites and Crystal Mountain Hotels.

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