Sunrise Nature

The Sunrise Nature Trail is accessed from the northwest end of the Sunrise Visitor Center parking lot. Start on a paved access road next to the restrooms. After 0.1 miles, turn to the right by the information signs and the real hike begins. You'll be on a pea-gravel trail that immediately starts a steady incline made manageable by well-placed crib steps along the way.

The Sunrise Nature Trail is a "lollipop" loop hike — and you're now hiking on the lollipop's stick. This portion of the trail is used as a connector to many of the area's other trails. It may be busy here, but the trail is wide and well-maintained. And make sure you stop and take a look over your left shoulder at Mount Rainier looking back at you.

After 0.1 miles, you'll come to a junction. There will be a sign that indicates the Nature Trail is to the right — follow that. The pea-gravel gives way to packed soil, and you're now greeted by a steeper incline. Take your mind off the uphill hike by enjoying the sub-alpine meadow you're hiking through. Wildflowers such as alpine asters, western anemone, and yarrow fill the meadow and provide landing spots for butterflies like the western painted lady. Views of the Tatoosh Range fill the southern horizon.

There is not much shade on this portion of the trail — be sure to have sunscreen and water as you gain over 230 feet in under 0.5 miles.

The steepest section of the hike is finished as you come to an intersection with the Sourdough Ridge trail. A sign carved out of a log indicates the Sourdough Ridge and Nature Trail go to the left while Dege Peak is to the right.
This intersection also provides an overlook of the Huckleberry Basin. Antler Peak sits directly to your right, and on a clear day, all the Cascade Range lays out before you. If you're lucky you can see all the way to Mount Baker!

After you turn to the left the postcard-perfect views of Mount Rainier start and they don't stop. There is more shade on this section of the trail, including log benches to rest at and take in the view.

After a half mile of rolling trail, you'll be at another trail intersection. The sign here is a bit more confusing and doesn't mention the Nature Trail at all! From here you could continue straight to other trails in the Sunrise area. The Nature Trail veers to the left and provides more stunning views of Mount Rainier.

After a quarter of a mile, you'll be back at the lollipop stick intersection. Turning right will bring you back to the paved access road and the Sunrise Visitor Center's parking lot.

WTA Pro Tip: The description for this trail goes counterclockwise. While it's possible to hike this trail in a clockwise direction, the views are more picturesque counterclockwise.