Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier stands as a classic symbol of Seattle and a pure natural wonder. We were surprised to discover just how expansive Mount Rainier National Park is. With various areas to explore, choosing where to spend your time can be overwhelming. However, we highly recommend delving into the northeastern side of the park, particularly the Mount Rainier Sunrise hiking trails. Here, you’ll witness the grandeur of the mountain up close and explore rugged terrain through various hiking trails.
Sunrise Area
Situated on the northeastern side of Mount Rainier National Park, Sunrise stands as the highest point in the park, reaching 6,400 feet in elevation. You can access Sunrise from the White River/Sunrise Entrance, approximately a 1 hour, 45 minute drive from Seattle.
It’s important to note that this entrance can become incredibly busy, especially on warm, sunny summer days. We highly recommend arriving early to avoid long entry lines.
The Sunrise Visitor Center, and the Sunrise Day Lodge, which are located at the parking lot, offer convenience with a variety of food and beverages available for purchase, as well as a gift shop.
Best time of year
The best time to visit the Sunrise area is during the peak summer months, July to September. The road to enter the Sunrise area opens in late June to early July and closes in late September to early October.
Duration
Sunrise is perfect for a day trip or an overnight camping adventure to explore the trails. We recommend allocating at least one night and two full days.
Mount Rainier Sunrise Hiking Trails
Fremont Lookout Trail
- 5.6 miles
- 900 feet elevation gain
- Moderate to difficult
Burroughs Mountain Trail ( to First and Second Burrows)
- 6.0 miles
- 1,200 feet elevation
- Moderate
Sourdough Ridge Trail (West to Frozen Lake)
- 3 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
- Easy
Sourdough Ridge Trail (East to Dege Peak)
- 4.2 miles
- 800 feet elevation
- Easy
Fremont Lookout Trail
One of the most popular trails near Sunrise, the Fremont Lookout Trail, offers stunning vistas at the historic fire lookout. This trail provides breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountain Range, Mount Rainier, and the Puget Sound in the distance. We recommend this hike for sunrise or sunset, and don’t forget to bring along your jet boil to enjoy dinner at the lookout while witnessing the sunset.
To reach Fremont Lookout, follow the Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake, then take the Mount Fremont Trail to the old fire lookout.
Burroughs Mountain Trail (first and second mountain)
The Burroughs Mountain Trail offers a direct route to Mount Rainier, providing up-close views of its glaciers. We recommend hiking to both the first and second Burroughs Mountains, and if you are feeling particularly adventurous, continue onward from there.
Sourdough Ridge Trail (West to Frozen Lake or East to Dege Peak)
You will likely hike along the Sourdough Ridge Trail at some point during your time in Sunrise, as it serves as a connecting trail to various trails in the area, including the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail as well as the Burroughs Mountain Trail. Regardless of which direction you choose, west or east, breathtaking views await!
Overnight camping
While all of the Mount Rainier Sunrise Hiking Trails are accessible as day hikes, we highly recommend overnight camping to fully immerse yourself in the area’s magic. Camping overnight allows you to experience both sunrise and sunset over Mount Rainier.
We camped at Sunrise Camp and highly recommend this option! Located just a mile from Sunrise road and the parking lot at the visitor center, Sunrise Camp offers easy access and a quick hike to and from the car. While technically a “backpacking” trip, the close proximity of the car makes it convenient to retrieve any necessary items, not to mention the nearby convenience store for extra snacks.
Permits
No permits are required for day hikes
However, permits are necessary for overnight wilderness camping. To camp in this area, you’ll need an overnight wilderness permit from Recreation.gov. Early access lottery permits become available in February, with additional permits available in April.
If you are unable to secure a permit at Sunrise Camp, another option for camping nearby is White River Campground. While it’s just three miles from Sunrise, be prepared for a steep 2,200 feet elevation gain.
Exploring the Mount Rainier Sunrise hiking trails offers a deep connection with nature’s magic. You’ll find yourself in awe of the enormity of the mountain and the beauty of its surrounding landscapes. Sunrise offers adventures suitable for everyone. We hope you find the perfect trail for your adventure!