Mt. Rainier National Park – Sunrise and White River

Even squirrels enjoy the view of Emmons Glacier.
At 6400′, Sunrise sits near Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the United States outside of Alaska. Emmons is spectacular to witness from the various trails around Sunrise. Besides the close-up view of Mt. Rainier, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood volcanoes are visible from different areas. Sunrise lies on Yakima Park between Sourdough and Burroughs Mountains. From late July to early August, expect to see the illustrious wildflowers of Mt. Rainier amid the many immense meadows surrounding the trails.
Download the Mt. Rainier app on Google Play and the Apple Store for a digital interactive guide. At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in the wilderness and/or off-trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Pets are allowed in campgrounds and parking lots.
Sunrise Trail Runs
Northern Loop– Outside the Wonderland Trail, this 36.5-mile loop with over 12,000 feet of elevation is the classic trail run in Mt Rainier National Park.

There are many trail options from Sunrise.

Serrated Skyline from Sourdough Ridge (Sean Harrasser)

A trail map sign near the Sunrise Visitor Center.
Sunrise Trail Races
There are no trail races in Mt. Rainier National Park. However, there are some events just outside of the park:
White River 50-mile course takes place on trails from Buck Creek Campground near the White River Entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park.
SISU Choose Your Own Adventure 100-mile and 24-hour run starts at a private Boy Scout Camp (Camp Sheppard) just a few miles north of the park entrance.
Ragnar Rainier is a trail relay race that begins at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort.
Ranier to Ruston Relay uses a little trail, but it’s mostly on bike paths.
Private Session: Mt. Rainier National Park Snowshoe Tour | REI Classes & Events regularly $629.00 on sale $549.00
Sunrise Area Trail Running Groups
There aren’t any trail running groups specifically for the area, but there are some nearby that we have featured in other community runs.
Olytrailrunners in Olympia was started in 2004 by a few trail running enthusiasts who wanted to invite others interested in running on the trails in Olympia area parks. Check the Facebook page for the location of Tuesday and weekend runs.
Seattle Running Club focuses on trails in the Seattle area, but it’s a great organization to find your trail running community.
Tacoma Runners is a large road running group, but it might be a way to find a fellow trail runner.

Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout (Sean Harrasser)
Coffee and Microbreweries
Elk Head Brewing in Buckley has 14 beers on tap, views of Mt. Ranier, and wood carvings of sasquatch and other woodland creatures.
If traveling to Portland, stop at Rainier BaseCamp Bar and Grill in Ashford, just a few miles from Longmire. Not a brewery, but BaseCamp caters to the mountaineering crowd with pizza, craft beers, and a park-like setting.
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