Mt Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier national park

Welcome to another five minute journey! Coming from Seattle your best bet for directions to mt ranier national park is probably the sunrise visitor center. The drive along the white river gives stunning glimpses of the river and mountains through dense forests. You’ll pass the crystal mountain about 20 miles out just before you reach a wooden sign national park to reach sunrise point which is an elevation of 6100 ft. 

The Sunrise Visitor Center is just 300 ft higher a few minutes up the road.   You can go to the visitor center and then snack bar which has all of the shopping including food such as hotdogs chips, sandwiches and local honey. There are several paths to choose and no matter the weather wildlife can be seen along those trails. You’re sure to sure little chipmunks scurrying across your path. 

Be prepared for cooler weather as even in August most were dressed for the snow and snow could bee seen capping the mountains. while you’re driving, I recommend having the windows down at least a little bit to smell the Douglas fir and white bark pine trees and the fresh mountain air. A little further down you can make the wonderland trail by the white river or the summer land trail by frying pan creek.