Savoring Sunrise at Mt. Rainier National Park

Sunrise Point (elevation 6,400 feet), the highest point accessible by auto in Mt. Rainier National Park, offers stunning views of nearby glaciers and distant Cascade peaks such as Mt. Baker and Mt. Hood. A fine trail network stitches this spot together with lakes, glacier overlooks and wildflower-strewn meadows known as “parks.”

Exhibits at the Sunrise Visitor Center help explain the ecology and geology of Sunrise, a unique area fashioned by fire and ice.

Sunrise has a short hiking season. Not until July does the snow melt sufficiently for park crews to plow Sunrise Road. Fortifying hikers for the trail, the Sunrise Lodge cafeteria serves meals and snacks.

In summer, Mt. Rainier’s meadows burst forth with wildflowers in awesome splendor. Grand Park (no overstatement here) is a wide meadow perched atop a lava flow. Some say it’s Rainier’s prettiest meadow. Its volcanic soil nurtures flowers that differ from those in other park meadows. Indian paintbrush, penstemon, columbine, avalanche lily, goldenrod, larkspur, western anemone and buttercup are among the more than six dozen species.

Step gently upon the land. The meadows, more than any other part of the mountain, really feel the effects of the national park’s 2-million-plus visitors a year. The National Park Service has implemented an ambitious plan to repair damage caused by people wandering off main trails. For the most part, the meadows restore themselves if left alone, and if hikers stay on established trails.

Several short trails explore Sunrise, including half-mile-long Emmons Vista Trail, which offers great views of Emmons Glacier. It’s also a good place to plant your tripod for photographing Mt. Rainier.

Sunrise trails also ascend panorama-providing small peaks. Dege Peak, a four-mile round-trip jaunt on Sourdough Ridge Trail, delivers vistas of the Cascade and Olympic ranges and even Seattle. Burroughs Mountain, a 5.5-mile round-trip walk, also offers commanding views.

From Sunrise, walk the 1.5 miles to little Frozen Lake, then ascend the wildflower-dotted meadows of Berkeley Park. The path dips to a waterfall on Lodi Creek, then climbs to Grand Park. Meander this wide, fairly flat meadow before heading back to Sunrise. Take advantage of the numerous optional trails on your return.

Access: From the park’s White River entrance, follow Sunrise Road 17 miles west to the parking lot and visitor center at road’s end. For conditions on Sunrise Road, call ahead at (360) 569-2211.

John McKinney is the author of “Day Hiker’s Guide to California’s State Parks” (Olympus Press, $14.95).

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Emmons Vista, Sunrise Nature Trails

WHERE: Mt. Rainier National Park.

DISTANCE: To Berkeley Park is 5 miles round trip; to Grand Park is 13.5 miles round trip with 1,800-foot elevation gain.

TERRAIN: Mountain meadows sculpted by fire and ice.

HIGHLIGHTS: Excursions from park’s highest trail head.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford, Wa 98304; tel. (360) 569-2211.