sunrise · white river · chinook pass · the high side
welcome to the high sideThe highest drivable point in the park at 6,400 feet, with views of the mountain that the south side can't match. Sunrise is closer to the summit than Paradise. Open July through September only. The under-the-radar half of Rainier.
Best for
Big views, ridge hikes, fewer crowds, mountain goats
From Seattle
2 hrs · 90 mi via WA-410 east
Stay at least
1 full day · 2 if you can
Best time
Mid-July through mid-September · short window
getting your bearings
The north side of Mt. Rainier covers three distinct areas, all reached from the northeast corner of the park via Highway 410 (the Chinook Scenic Byway). The whole region is summer-only. The road to Sunrise typically opens early-to-mid July and closes by mid-October with the first heavy snow. Highway 410 over Chinook Pass is closed for the winter season between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and Morse Creek.
Sunrise sits at 6,400 feet, the highest point in the entire park you can reach by car. The visitor center, day lodge, and trailhead parking are all in one cluster at the end of a 15-mile road from the White River Entrance. Closer to the summit than Paradise. Closer to the glaciers. Wide-open subalpine meadows instead of the forested-then-meadow approach you get on the south side. The 350-vehicle parking lot fills by 9 AM on summer weekends. Get there early or come after 4 PM.
White River is the entrance station and lower campground area at 4,400 feet, about 6 miles below Sunrise. The White River Campground (88 sites, first-come first-served) is the only in-park camping on the north side. Old-growth forest, the Wonderland Trail crosses through, the Glacier Basin trailhead launches climbing parties heading up to Camp Schurman.
Chinook Pass sits at 5,432 feet on Highway 410, about 7 miles south of the Sunrise turnoff. The historic 1936 wood-and-stone arched bridge marks the park entrance. Tipsoo Lake sits in a glacier-carved basin right at the pass with subalpine meadows that put on one of the best wildflower shows in the entire park. This area technically straddles the south and north sides but the road access is from Highway 410 so we cover it here.
If you have one day at Rainier, do Paradise (south side). It has the historic Inn, year-round access, and the most variety. If you have two days, do Sunrise on the second day. The view of the mountain from Sunrise is closer, more dramatic, and includes the massive Emmons Glacier (the largest glacier in the lower 48 by area).
The two areas are 2.5 hours apart by car because there's no road through the park connecting them. You have to drive south through Packwood, then north on Highway 123 and back up to Sunrise. Don't try to do both in one day unless you genuinely love driving.
The 15-mile road from the White River Entrance up to Sunrise is one of the more dramatic park drives in the country. Tight switchbacks, exposed shoulders, no guardrails in places. RVs and trailers over 25 feet should not drive the upper portion of Sunrise Park Road. Drop the rig at a lower campground and take a passenger vehicle up. The road climbs about 4,000 feet in 15 miles. Sunrise Point hairpin near the top has a pull-off with stunning views.
Same as the south side: Mt. Rainier will not require timed entry reservations anywhere in the park in 2026. The pilot system that ran 2024-2025 (which was Sunrise-only in 2025) has been retired. That doesn't mean no waits. Expect 30-60 minute lines at the White River Entrance during peak July-August hours. The fix: arrive before 7 AM. The road to Sunrise opens at sunrise (no pun intended), and getting up early is the whole game on this side of the park.
getting in & getting around
The drive in is genuinely beautiful. Highway 410 climbs through forest, opens to alpine views, then switchbacks up to Sunrise. Allow more time than you think.
2 hours via I-5 south to exit 142, then WA-18 east to WA-164, then WA-410 east through Enumclaw and Greenwater to the White River Entrance. About 90 miles total. The Highway 410 stretch from Enumclaw is part of the Chinook Scenic Byway and worth the drive on its own. Fill up gas in Enumclaw or Greenwater.
2 hours via Highway 410 west over Chinook Pass (5,432 ft, summer-only access). The drive over the pass is one of the great mountain drives in Washington, with Tipsoo Lake right at the summit. Highway 410 closes for the winter season between Crystal Mountain Boulevard and Morse Creek.
2.5 hours via Stevens Canyon Road east to Highway 123 north to Highway 410 east to the White River Entrance. This is the only way to get from Paradise to Sunrise without leaving the park area entirely. No road through the park connects them directly. Plan a half day.
$30 per vehicle, valid 7 consecutive days. Same fee as the south side. America the Beautiful pass ($80/year) covers all national parks. If you've already paid at Nisqually within the week, your receipt covers the White River Entrance.
15 miles from the White River Entrance to the Sunrise parking lot, about 45 minutes with one stop. Sunrise Park Road climbs about 4,000 feet with tight switchbacks and exposed shoulders. Drive carefully especially in early morning fog. Stop at Sunrise Point near the top for the iconic hairpin overlook (Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Sunrise Lake all in one view).
350-vehicle parking lot, plus overflow along the entry road. Lot fills by 9 AM on summer weekends. If full, park lower on Sunrise Park Road and walk up. The road has roadside pull-offs every half mile or so. Or just come back at 4 PM when the morning crowds have left.
RVs and trailers over 25 feet should not drive Sunrise Park Road. The switchbacks are too tight. And note the White River Campground limits: 27 ft max for RVs, 18 ft max for trailers. Bigger rigs should base at a Forest Service campground or Crystal Mountain area and drive a passenger vehicle up. If you're in a smaller van, you'll be fine but downshift on the descent.
the must-sees
Sourdough Ridge Trail. The signature walk at Sunrise. From the visitor center, climb 400 ft in half a mile to Sourdough Ridge, then choose your distance. Continue west to Frozen Lake (3 mi round-trip) for a small alpine lake that's the area's water source. Or continue further to Mount Fremont Lookout (5.7 mi) or Burroughs Mountain (4.8-7 mi). The opening half-mile is the gateway to almost every Sunrise hike.
Mount Fremont Lookout. A 5.7-mile round-trip hike to a 1934 historic fire lookout, one of four still standing in the park. 900 ft elevation gain. Open meadows, exposed ridges, mountain goats sometimes spotted along the way. The lookout view straight at Mt. Rainier across the White River Valley is one of the most photographed scenes in the park. Plan 3-4 hours.
Burroughs Mountain. Three connected summits at 7,000-7,800 feet that hug the northeast face of the mountain. First Burroughs is 4.8 miles round-trip with a wide-open meadow plateau at the top. Second Burroughs adds 1.2 miles for closer glacier views. Third Burroughs adds another 1.3 miles to the rocky 7,800-foot top, where you can see climbers crossing the Inter Glacier on their way to Camp Schurman. The closest you can get to Mt. Rainier on a day hike. Mountain goats common on the upper sections.
Sunrise Visitor Center. The historic 1931 stone-and-log building at 6,400 ft. Exhibits on subalpine ecology, glaciers, and park history. Ranger talks throughout the day in summer. Open early July through late September only. Bathrooms, drinking water, gift shop, free wifi. Plan 30 min.
Sunrise Day Lodge. Adjacent to the visitor center, the day lodge has a cafeteria with hot food, snacks, and grab-and-go items. No overnight lodging at Sunrise. Open early July through late September. Eat your sandwich on the deck with the mountain framed in front of you.
Sunrise Nature Trail. A 1.5-mile loop right from the visitor center with interpretive signs about subalpine plants and ecology. Stroller-friendly for the first half. Wildflowers peak in early-to-mid August up here (later than Paradise because of the higher elevation). Plan 45 min.
Tipsoo Lake. The classic alpine lake right at Chinook Pass on Highway 410. Subalpine meadows around the lake erupt in wildflowers in late July. A 0.5-mile flat loop circles the lake. The lake mirrors Mt. Rainier on still mornings, one of the great sunrise photo spots in the park. Free parking, picnic tables, restrooms. Plan 30-45 min.
Naches Peak Loop. A 3.5-mile loop starting at Tipsoo Lake that crosses Highway 410 on the historic 1936 wood-and-stone bridge, follows the Pacific Crest Trail around Naches Peak, and returns through subalpine meadows. Best wildflower hike in the park during late July and early August. Best done clockwise for the prime Mt. Rainier views on the back stretch. Plan 2-2.5 hours.
Sunrise Point. The hairpin pull-off near the top of Sunrise Park Road, just before the parking lot. Views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, the Cascade Range, Sunrise Lake, and Clover Lake all in one stop. 2-minute stop, world-class view. Free, just a roadside pull-off.
White River Campground area. Old-growth forest at 4,400 ft. Even if you're not camping, walk the loop roads or do the Glacier Basin Trail (6.5 mi round-trip, moderate, follows the river through old-growth and meadows toward the Emmons Glacier). The Wonderland Trail crosses through here for through-hikers tackling the 93-mile circumnavigation of the mountain.
kids pick
Best Sunrise day for kids who don't love long hikes. Drive in via the White River Entrance, stop at Sunrise Point for the iconic hairpin overlook (2-minute stop, big-time view). Continue to the visitor center and walk the Sunrise Nature Trail with interpretive signs. Eat at the Sunrise Day Lodge cafeteria with mountain views from the deck. If kids are up for more, hike out to Frozen Lake along Sourdough Ridge (3 mi round-trip, mostly downhill on the way back). Drive home via Tipsoo Lake for sunset. Three iconic stops, kid-paced, big payoff.
smaller spots most guides miss
Sunrise gets the headlines. The north side has whole pockets of beauty that even repeat visitors haven't done.
A wildflower valley reached from Sourdough Ridge via Frozen Lake, about 7.6 mi round-trip. Some of the best blooms in the entire park in late July and early August. Lupine, scarlet paintbrush, sitka valerian. Almost no one hikes this because Mount Fremont and Burroughs steal the attention. Plan 4-5 hours.
A 2-mile round-trip ridge hike from Sunrise Point with 360-degree views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker, and Glacier Peak. Minimal elevation gain compared to other Sunrise hikes. Mountain goats common along the rocky ridge. Best at sunrise or sunset.
A 6.5-mile round-trip from White River Campground that follows the river through old-growth forest, climbs steadily through avalanche-shaped meadows, and ends with a head-on view of the Emmons Glacier. The dramatic glacier reward without a brutal climb. 1,600 ft gain.
About 6 miles north of the White River turnoff on Highway 410. The Mt. Rainier Gondola runs in summer (typically late June through Labor Day), riding to 6,872 ft for views back at the mountain. Restaurant at the top. The non-hiker's way to get a high-elevation view. About $40/adult round-trip.
About 30 min west of the White River Entrance on Highway 410, this 619-acre state park has stunning old-growth Douglas fir and hemlock with easy interpretive trails. Same backup as the south side, different angle. Discover Pass required.
The tiny mountain hamlet 14 miles west of the White River Entrance. The Naches Tavern is the local-favorite stop for a meal before or after the park. Old logging-town vibe, antlers on the walls, big burgers. The general store next door has last-minute snacks and gas.
The historic 1936 wood-and-stone bridge that carries the Pacific Crest Trail over Highway 410 at Chinook Pass. The pedestrian bridge frames the iconic Mt. Rainier shot photographers chase. Walk over the bridge from the Tipsoo Lake parking lot, look back through the arch at the mountain. 5-min stop, postcard view.
The north side has the park's most reliable mountain goat population. Look for them on Mount Fremont, Burroughs, Dege Peak, and along Sourdough Ridge. Sometimes herds of 20+ animals together. Bring binoculars. Always stay 25+ yards away. The goats are relaxed but they're wild animals.
trails worth doing
All distances are round trip. The north side has more high-elevation ridge hiking than the south. Almost everything starts above 6,000 feet, so even the easy trails feel hard if you're not used to elevation. Snow lingers into mid-July most years. Check trail conditions at the visitor center the morning of your hike.
Tipsoo Lake Loop
Subalpine lake · wildflowers · stroller-friendly
Sunrise Nature Trail
Interpretive loop · subalpine plants · meadow views
Sourdough Ridge to Frozen Lake
Ridge walk · alpine lake · gateway to other hikes
Shadow Lake (via Sunrise Rim)
Lake reflection · less crowded · meadows
Naches Peak Loop
Best wildflower hike in park · PCT segment
Dege Peak (from Sunrise Point)
360-degree views · 4 volcanoes visible · goats
Mount Fremont Lookout
1934 historic fire lookout · rocky · big views
First Burroughs Mountain
7,000-ft plateau · Emmons Glacier views
Glacier Basin Trail
From White River · old-growth · meadows · glacier
Berkeley Park (from Sourdough Ridge)
Wildflower valley · quiet meadows · marmots
Second Burroughs Mountain
7,400 ft · Emmons Moraine · most hikers turn here
Third Burroughs Mountain
7,800 ft · closest day-hike to Rainier · rocky
Summerland to Panhandle Gap
Wildflower meadows · panoramic views · quiet
If you only do one real hike on the north side, make it Mount Fremont Lookout. 5.7 miles round-trip, 900 ft elevation gain, every iconic Sunrise view in one trip: Sourdough Ridge meadows, Frozen Lake, the rocky ridge approach, and the 1934 historic fire lookout with the most photographed Mt. Rainier view on the north side. Mountain goats common along the upper ridge. Plan 3-4 hours.
If you're up for more climbing, do Burroughs Mountain instead. First Burroughs (4.8 mi) feels like standing on the mountain. Second Burroughs (7 mi) gets you to 7,400 ft with Emmons Glacier views. Third Burroughs (9 mi) is for serious hikers only.
when you need a break
After a hard hike day at Sunrise, or on a cloudy day when the mountain is hidden, here's how to make a slow day count.
Sunrise Point sunset
Drive up Sunrise Park Road in the late afternoon, stop at Sunrise Point, watch the alpenglow paint the mountain. The road is open until midnight in summer, so you can stay for the full sunset show. Bring a thermos and warm layers.
Tipsoo Lake morning reflection
Set an alarm for 5 AM. Drive to Tipsoo Lake at Chinook Pass before sunrise. The still water mirrors the mountain in the soft pre-sunrise light. Walk the half-mile loop, take photos, eat breakfast at the picnic tables. Easiest sunrise hit on the whole north side.
White River picnic
The White River Campground day-use picnic area is in old-growth forest along the river. Pack a lunch from Greenwater or Enumclaw, run kids around in the trees, eat slow. About 6 miles below Sunrise.
Crystal Mountain gondola
Drive 6 mi north of the White River turnoff to Crystal Mountain Resort. Ride the gondola up to 6,872 ft for views back at Mt. Rainier without any hiking. Restaurant at the top. Open late June through Labor Day in summer. About $40/adult round-trip.
Federation Forest backup
If the entrance line is unbearable or the weather is rough, drive 30 min west to Federation Forest State Park. Old-growth interpretive trails, almost no crowds. Discover Pass required. Half-day stop.
Junior Ranger at Sunrise
Pick up the free Junior Ranger booklet at the Sunrise Visitor Center. The Sunrise version of the booklet is different from the Paradise version, so kids who already earned a badge at Paradise can do the program again here. Sworn in by a real ranger.
food, by meal
Food on the north side is even more limited than the south. Sunrise has one cafeteria. No restaurants between the White River Entrance and Greenwater (14 miles). Real food is in Greenwater, Crystal Mountain, or Enumclaw. Stock up before you climb the mountain.
Breakfast
In Enumclaw (about 30 min west of the entrance), Mint AlehouseCasual does big plates and walk-in seating. Stewart's Meat Market & Cafe is the local-favorite breakfast spot with hot sandwiches and homemade pies.
In Greenwater (14 mi west of the entrance), Wapiti WooliesQuick is the wool-shop-and-bakery combo where through-hikers fuel up before tackling the Wonderland Trail. Pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and the most photographed log cabin shop in the area.
No breakfast options inside the park on the north side. The Sunrise Day Lodge cafeteria opens later (typically 10 AM). Pack breakfast or eat in town before driving up.
Lunch
Sunrise Day Lodge cafeteriaQuick is the only food option inside the park on the north side. Hot sandwiches, soup, salads, snacks, hot drinks. Open early July through late September only. Eat on the deck with the mountain in front of you. Lines build at noon, eat at 11 AM or 1:30 PM to skip them.
In Greenwater, the Naches TavernCasual is the local-legend stop. Antlers on the walls, big burgers, old logging-town vibe. Family-friendly during the day. The general store next door has snacks and last-minute basics.
At Crystal Mountain Resort, Snorting Elk CellarCasual is the year-round pub option with pizza, salads, and big plates. The Summit House at the top of the gondola has lunch with the highest restaurant view in Washington (6,872 ft).
Dinner
The two best dinner options near the north side:
Summit House at Crystal MountainNicer
The signature dinner experience on the north side. Take the gondola up to 6,872 ft, eat dinner with windows wrapping around the mountain. PNW menu, Dungeness crab, fresh trout, big steaks. Reservations required, dinner sittings limited to a few nights per week in summer. About $40-$70 per entree. Adults-leaning but families welcome with older kids.
Naches Tavern (Greenwater)Casual
The classic gateway-town dinner. Burgers, fish and chips, pizza. Walk-in always works. The kind of small-town tavern where the locals know each other and the cook checks on your table. Open year-round. Family-friendly until later in the evening.
Other solid options: Snorting Elk CellarCasual at Crystal Mountain (year-round), Mint AlehouseCasual in Enumclaw for steaks and big plates, The Kettle Restaurant in Enumclaw for diner classics. If you're heading back toward Seattle, the Black Diamond Bakery on WA-169 is the iconic post-park stop.
Treats: Wapiti Woolies in Greenwater for cinnamon rolls before a hike. The Sunrise Day Lodge cafeteria for huckleberry ice cream after a hike. Stewart's Meat Market in Enumclaw for homemade pie. Pack treats before you climb up, options inside the park are limited to the cafeteria.
Sunrise Picnic Area is right next to the visitor center with tables looking at the mountain. Tipsoo Lake picnic area at Chinook Pass has tables along the lakeshore. White River Campground day-use area has tables in old-growth forest along the river. Pack lunch from Enumclaw or Greenwater before you enter the park, the cafeteria is the only in-park food.
amy's check
For traveling families: Mt Rainier's north and east sides are remote alpine country. Enumclaw is the closest town with basic services. Big shopping is 1-1.5 hours northwest.
Costco
Auburn · 45 min northwest · or Tacoma 1 hr west
Target
Auburn · 45 min northwest · closest Target
Trader Joe's
Federal Way or Bellevue · 1 hr northwest · closest TJ's
Chick-fil-A
Auburn · 45 min northwest · or Puyallup
groceries, gas & van basics
Same drill as the south side: zero grocery stores inside the park. Even more limited than the south side because the towns are smaller. Real shopping requires the drive to Auburn or Federal Way. Stock up before you head up.
In Greenwater (10 min from the entrance, last stop before the park), Greenwater Country Store covers basics: snacks, drinks, ice cream, last-minute camping supplies, and a small grocery section. Gas-station prices. Useful for forgotten items, not full grocery runs.
In Enumclaw (30 min from the entrance), real shopping starts. Enumclaw IGA for full groceries. Safeway on Griffin Avenue is the bigger option. The closest real grocery to the park on this side.
Inside the park, the Sunrise Day Lodge sells snacks, water, and last-resort basics through the cafeteria and gift shop. Plan for 2-3x normal prices. No general store comparable to Longmire on the south side.
No gas stations inside the park. Closest options: Greenwater (limited, gas-station prices), Enumclaw (full service stations, normal prices), Crystal Mountain Resort (gas station near the resort entrance). Top off in Enumclaw on the drive in. The 4,000-foot climb to Sunrise burns more fuel than you'd expect.
Drinking water at the Sunrise Visitor Center and Sunrise Day Lodge. Flush restrooms at Sunrise, plus restrooms at the Tipsoo Lake picnic area. Vault toilets at most trailheads. 2026 note: White River Campground is running limited services this season, so don't count on filling bottles there. Bring water bottles and refill at Sunrise. High elevation, you'll drink more than usual.
No RV dump station on the north side of the park. White River Campground doesn't have one. The nearest in-park dump is at Cougar Rock on the south side (seasonal), or use commercial dump options in the Enumclaw and Auburn area on your way in or out. Public trash bins at Sunrise and major pullouts. Pack out everything from trail picnics.
Stock up at Costco or Safeway in Auburn before you head up. Greenwater is the last real stop, but prices are high and selection is thin. Pack a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks for the day at Sunrise. A picnic at the Sunrise Picnic Area or Tipsoo Lake with food you brought from town beats a $14 cafeteria sandwich every time. And bring more water than you think you need. The combination of high elevation and exposed sun on the upper trails dehydrates people faster than they expect.
lodges, resorts & van
No in-park lodging on this side of the mountain. Sunrise has no overnight stays, only the day lodge cafeteria. The good options are at Crystal Mountain Resort (5 min south of the entrance turnoff) and in Greenwater. Book early for the short July-September window.
Budget · $130-$220/night
Simple basics, real character
In Greenwater, small family-run lodges and cabin rentals run modest. Closest stays to the park entrance, about 10 min from the White River Entrance. Limited inventory, book ahead.
In Enumclaw (30 min west), basic chain motels: Best Western Plus Park Place Inn and similar mid-budget options. Cheaper, more selection, longer drive in each morning. Best for travelers who want a real grocery store nearby and don't mind the drive.
Mid-range · $220-$380/night
5 min from the entrance · ski-resort comfort
Crystal Mountain Hotels sit at the base of the ski resort, 5 min south of the Sunrise turnoff on Highway 410. Comfortable rooms, ski-in/ski-out in winter, summer access to the gondola right out the door. The closest reliable lodging to the White River Entrance. Family-friendly, multiple room sizes, hot tub, restaurant on-site. Open year-round.
Alta Crystal Resort in Greenwater is the cabin/condo-style stay with kitchens. Two-bedroom condos sleep 6, three-bedroom sleep 8, family-friendly with a heated pool, hot tub, fire pit. Best value for families of 5+ who want to cook some meals in. Open year-round.
Splurge · $400+/night
Full cabins · sleep 6-12 · the family splurge
The standalone cabin rentals along Crystal Mountain Boulevard are the splurge for the north side. Full cabins with kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, and decks with mountain views. Sleeps 6-12 depending on the property. Vrbo and Airbnb both work. Best for multi-family trips or extended families wanting one big roof for the week. Book 4-6 months ahead for July-August.
Greenwater and the Crystal Mountain area both have a strong vacation rental market. Look for cabins along Highway 410 between Greenwater and the White River turnoff for the shortest morning drive to Sunrise. Vrbo and Airbnb both work. For families of 4+, vacation rentals beat hotels on cost for stays of 3+ nights. Book 3-4 months ahead for July and August.
Van life · campgrounds
Limited options · arrive early
White River Campground is the only in-park camping on the north side, and it's first-come first-served only, no reservations. 88 sites at $20/night, paid through the Recreation.gov app when you arrive. Download the app and set up your account before you leave town, there's no cell service at the campground. 27 ft max for RVs, 18 ft max for trailers. Open roughly late June or early July through late September. Sites open up as campers check out by noon, so arrive mid-morning for your best shot. 2026 note: only part of the campground is running this season with reduced services, so bring your own water and have a backup plan.
Silver Springs Campground (Forest Service, just outside the park on Highway 410) has 55 sites along the White River, $24/night, no hookups. Open May-September. Cheaper than in-park, similar feel, and reservable, which White River isn't.
Lodgepole Campground (Forest Service, near Chinook Pass on Highway 410) has 33 sites at 3,500 ft, $20/night, no hookups. Open July-September. Higher elevation, cooler at night.
The Dalles Campground (Forest Service, off WA-410 closer to Greenwater) has 45 sites along the White River, $24/night. Open May-September. The biggest Forest Service option in the area.
Where you can't sleep: No vehicle camping at trailheads, pullouts, the Sunrise parking lot, or visitor centers. Park rangers patrol overnight and will issue tickets. Some Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas off Forest Roads, check the specific district rules.
White River Campground: No reservations, first-come first-served only. Arrive mid-morning (checkout is noon), download the Recreation.gov app before you go, and have a Forest Service backup picked out.
Crystal Mountain Hotels: 3-4 months ahead for prime summer weekends. Last-minute often works for shoulder dates.
Alta Crystal Resort: 4-6 months ahead for summer condos. Family-friendly so it books up faster than the hotels.
Greenwater small lodges: Limited inventory, book 3-4 months ahead for July-August.
Vacation rental cabins: 4-6 months ahead for summer. Many have 2-3 night minimums.
Forest Service campgrounds: 6 months ahead for prime summer weekends, last-minute often works mid-week.
Shoulder season (early July, mid-September): 1-2 months out usually fine. Late September is the sleeper-pick, fall colors arriving, fewer crowds, road still open most years.