White River to Sunrise

This hike in the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park follows a section of the Wonderland Trail for a day-hike that samples an iconic part of the park.

Since the Sunrise Visitor Center and its surrounding trails can be reached by car, this hike won’t take you to a remote location in the park but will give you the unique perspective of arriving on foot to a popular area of the National Park, and provide a good workout along the way.

Starting from the White River Campground, find the trail taking off into the trees and immediately start climbing. The trail climbs in a series of long switchbacks for 2.3 miles before intersecting the Sunrise Rim Trail. At this intersection head right for half a mile before turning left on a short spur trail that takes you to the Sunrise Visitor Center where you can learn more about the park and use the facilities.

If you would like to explore more of the Sunrise Area, trace your steps back to the junction with the Wonderland Trail. Instead of heading back downhill stay straight and arrive in under a mile at Shadow Lake or push on further to the flanks of Burroughs Mountain. When you’re done enjoying the scenery head back downhill to your car at White River Campground.