Sunrise Point

Sunrise Point is a viewpoint within the Sunrise area on the northeast side of Mount Rainier in Mount Rainier National Park, and is the highest developed visitor area in the park with alpine viewpoints and trail access.

The point provides expansive views of Mount Rainier’s northeast face and the Emmons Glacier, as well as alpine meadows and wildflower displays in summer. The surrounding Sunrise development includes short ridge walks and trailheads that lead to panoramic overlooks and subalpine habitat.

The Sunrise area was developed in the 1930s and later to provide visitor facilities on Mount Rainier’s northeast side; the site has hosted a seasonal visitor center and trail infrastructure since mid 20th century. The viewpoint and trails have been maintained for public recreation and interpretation within the national park framework.

Sunrise Point sits inside Mount Rainier National Park on the mountain’s northeast flank, reachable by the Sunrise Road from the White River area; the developed Sunrise area is several dozen miles east of the city of Tacoma and southeast of Seattle.

• Elevation: Sits at the highest developed road-access point in Mount Rainier National Park at about 6,400 feet (1,950 meters).
• Access: Road access to the Sunrise area is seasonal, typically open only in the summer months because of heavy winter snow at this elevation.

What to See #

• Sunrise Visitor Center: A small visitor center and seasonal ranger station located in the Sunrise development that provides maps, information and an orientation for trails in the area.
• Sourdough Ridge and trail network: A popular ridge trail system including Sourdough Ridge, offering short hikes and viewpoints with direct views of Mount Rainier, Emmons Glacier and surrounding alpine meadows.