Sunrise, Mt Rainier National Park

Aug 16th, 2022

Our initial plan was to do the Skyline Trail in Paradise on the second day at Mt Rainier. However having discovered the road closures that significantly increased the drive to and from Packwood we decided not to return to Paradise. 

Tuesday morning fixed breakfast in our cabin in Packwood and set out to see another side of Mt Rainier. Sunrise is the name of the place on the Northeast side of MRNP. The road leads through a dense forest.

Just before the Sunrise Visitor Center is Sunrise Viewpoint where the road makes a wide U turn around a large parking area. It was a clear sunny day and we got a rare clear panoramic view of surrounding mountains. A regular visitor saw us clicking pictures and stopped to chat and give some information about the peaks seen from that location. She pointed out Mt Adams behind us and told us this is often covered with fog and clouds and not seen as clearly as it was that day. From opposite side of the road we could see clover lake in the valley below. Straight ahead was Mt Rainier dominating the scene. 

Once we parked near the Sunrise visitor center we checked with the Ranger on duty about what hikes to take. Decided to walk up to Frozen Lake on the Sourdough trail. It was quite a steep climb for the most part, quite challenging for me who is more or less sedentary usually. But made it 2 miles one way to the lake. On the way back took a longer route via the trail to shadow lake. That proved to be a good decision as we saw a few marmots and then a bear roaming leisurely in the meadows. There were views of the glaciers and lakes surrounded by wildflowers. Legs were tired after the 4.5 miles hike but mind was refreshed.

The visitor center in Sunrise had some remarkable exhibits and information about the history, wildflowers and wildlife in the area. Large binoculars placed near the window offered daunting closeup views of Mt Rainier. The glacier seemed so close as if one could touch it. We asked the ranger there what we could visit next without having to walk too much. He gave some brilliant tips.

So next we took the drive to Crystal Mountain . This is a ski area . The gondola ride up the mountain is really steep and exciting. High up on the top we got some really unique views of Mt Rainier and many other peaks in Washington including Mt St Helen’s, Mt Baker, Mt Olympus and Mt Adams. The mountain top restaurant had panoramic views. We enjoyed drinks and snacks as we took in the views before riding the gondola down to the parking area. 

From there next stop was Lake Tipsoo. And what a finale that proved to be. I have never in my life seen such glorious blooms of wildflowers before. No matter how hard we tried, the camera just couldn’t capture the majesty of this location. It has to be seen to believe. Walked all around the lake leisurely to the heart’s content. Added another 2 miles to the earlier 4.5 miles hike in the day. 

Returned back to Packwood. Took shower, did laundry and ate dinner out of the food we had with us. Next morning leaving Packwood for the next adventure.

Saree was my favorite linen in golden yellow. Never before have I appreciated as much the comfort of linen to hike under the sun. An absolute delight.