Sunrise, Mount Rainier
White River, WA
The highest point reachable by car in Mount Rainier National Park, at 6,400 feet, facing the Emmons Glacier. The road is usually open from early July to late September; trails lead to Frozen Lake and Mount Fremont Lookout.
Sunrise is a viewing area in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State and, at 6,400 feet (about 2,000 meters), the highest point in the park reachable by car. On clear days you can see Emmons Glacier from here. Pullouts along the access road give views of the White River Valley, Rainier and Mount Adams.
The road is steep and winding and is only driven in summer, typically from early July to mid-September according to the National Park Service, and until early October according to Wikivoyage. About 14 miles of Sunrise Park Road lead from the White River entrance to the visitor center, whose parking lot holds several hundred vehicles but fills quickly on busy days. The Sunrise Nature Trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop; the Mount Fremont Lookout is 5.5 miles away with 900 feet of climbing.
Time-sensitive (as of October 2026): the road is closed for the winter, says the Park Service. Wildfires in summer 2026 led to closures; trails in the north of the park, including parts of the Wonderland Trail, were still closed according to the NPS. Check roads, trails and reservation rules beforehand.
- Nearest town
- White River, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.9146, -121.6424
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Silver Springs CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Sunrise, Mount RainierTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- The Dalles CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Sunrise, Mount Rainier · 45 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Cougar Rock CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Sunrise, Mount Rainier · 173 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Ohanapecosh CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Sunrise, Mount Rainier · 188 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Upper Bumping Lake CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Sunrise, Mount Rainier · 45 pitchesCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Soda Springs CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Sunrise, Mount RainierTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sunrise, Mount Rainier?
Sunrise, Mount Rainier is in White River, WA, at GPS 46.9146, -121.6424. It is about 10 mi from Paradise.
Can you camp near Sunrise, Mount Rainier?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is White River Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 41 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Sunrise, Mount Rainier?
Sunrise, Mount Rainier is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount Rainier’s east side: Sunrise and Chinook Pass.
What is there to see near Sunrise, Mount Rainier?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tipsoo Lake (7 mi), Paradise, Mount Rainier (10 mi), Box Canyon (10 mi) and Reflection Lakes (11 mi).
When is the best time to visit Sunrise, Mount Rainier?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)