Hiking and Camping near Sunrise in Mt Rainier National Park

On the northeast side of Mount Rainier National Park is a terrific car-accessible visitors center, café, and series of trailheads going off in multiple directions. There are many day hike options out to waterfalls, glacier overlooks, and views of Mt Rainier’s snow-covered flanks. Camping options are nearby, too, and can be accessed by hiking or driving. Lots to do, with beautiful mountain scenery in all of the options.

We hiked southwest from Sunrise, along Sunrise Rim Trail, Wonderland Trail, Sunrise Park Road, and Burroughs Mountain Trail to get many different environments and vantage points within a fairly compact distance. A couple miles from the Sunrise parking lot is Sunrise Camp, nestled in a small treed valley by Shadow Lake. Campsites are rustic with an outhouse and no potable water. The location offers a great launching point out to Emmons Glacier Overlook and further along the Burroughs Mountain Trail to one of the best up-close views of Mt Rainier.

Sunrise is highly recommended for its day trips, overnight trips, and mountainous variety.