Dust off the hiking shoes, find the tents. Mount Rainier’s Sunrise Area is open

Hey Pierce County, it’s finally time to welcome the opening of the White River (northeast) Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, which includes the opening of White River Campground and access to the Sunrise Area.

Do you enjoy eye-tingling views and vistas of Mount Rainier (Tahoma) without ever leaving the comfort of your car? Sunrise Area is for you. Actually, it’s for anyone. At 6,400 feet, it’s the highest elevation in the park you can drive, and it’s one of the best spots to get a close-up view of the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the contiguous United States.

Enjoy easy access to the Sunrise Rim Trail, Sourdough Ridge Trail and the Mount Fremont Lookout? Well, huzzah. This is your time of year.

July 4th weekend is officially Sunrise opening weekend.

“Visitors can experience alpine meadows, panoramic views, and a variety of trails suited for both families and experienced hikers. It’s one of the most iconic summer destinations in the Pacific Northwest,” the park said in a statement.

Park entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for the standard pass (which will be good at Mount Rainier for up to 7 days) or $25 for a motorcycle. Annual passes for single parks are $55, or $80 for the America the Beautiful Pass (any park).

White River Campground is being called a “partial opening,” with Loops A and B open but Loops C and D not. Campsites are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

There is no potable water at White River Campground, so please remember to bring your own. At 4,400 feet elevation, White River Campground is the highest drive-in campground in the park, with prime hiking access and incredible views, and quite worth packing your own water.

White River Campground fees are $20 per individual site, or $60 per group site.

Before heading up, the park would like to remind you to:

• Bring plenty of water, food and any supplies you’ll need for the day.
• The Sunrise Road is steep, narrow, and winding.
• RVs and vehicles towing trailers longer than 25 feet total length are not recommended beyond the White River Campground intersection.
• Standard, unmodified motor coaches are currently permitted.

Remember to arrive early, as delays are standard at all park entrances this time of year.

Gavin Feek

The News Tribune

Gavin Feek is the outdoors reporter for The News Tribune. He is a Seattle-born writer who covers the intersection of public lands, climate-related issues and outdoor recreation. After working for many years in Yosemite National Park, Gavin pivoted to journalism in 2020. You can find his bylines in The Seattle Times, The Stranger, Outside, Climbing, The Intercept, Vox Media, Vertical Times, McSweeney’s, and various other publications. He spends his free time outdoors with his family.