This is the perfect outing for families, or for anyone wanting an easy day in the glorious wildflower fields of the Sunrise area. Indeed, if you have out-of-town guests you want to impress, this gentle mountain stroll will have them thinking you live in heaven on earth. This little loop explores wonderful alpine meadows and provides glorious views of Mount Rainier, with very little elevation gain.


Find the old road-turned-trail on the southwest side of the visitor center parking lot and follow it west toward Sunrise Camp, ignoring any faint side trails. At about 0.5 mile out, you'll notice a well-signed trail leading to the left--this is the Wonderland Trail, dropping down to White River. Continue straight ahead toward Shadow Lake and the Sunrise Camp.

Shadow Lake, 1.2 miles from the trailhead, is a shallow tarn nestled into the green meadows of the area. With its modest scattering of trees around its banks and open slopes between the wooded sections, the lake is a haven for wildlife. The trees provide perches and shelter for birds and good shade and cover for beasts. Deer frequent this pond, as do mountain goats, so approach it quietly if you want to see any visiting critters.

After passing a short spur to an Emmons Glacier overlook, you reach Sunrise Camp at about 1.8 miles. This was once a drive-up car-camping campground, but it is now a walk-in tent camp. At the junction on the far side of camp, turn right--the left fork leads to Frozen Lake and then steeply up the side of First Burroughs Mountain. The right fork leads you along the wildflower meadows below Burroughs for 0.6 mile to reach yet another trail junction. Go right here and follow this main path 1.4 miles back to the trailhead. Note: There are many old, decommissioned trails in the area. Stay on the main paths at all times.