Emmons Vista Trailhead

The Sunrise Rim Trail branches off near the Emmons Vista Trailhead.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Sunrise

Amenities

2 listed

Parking - Auto, Trailhead

Season: Summer Only (July-September)
Sunrise Road to access the Sunrise area is open during the summer only, typically July to September.

This trailhead is located on the left (south) side of the Sunrise parking lot looking west towards Mount Rainier and the Sunrise Visitor Center. The trailhead starts near the beginning of a service road that angles west towards Mount Rainier. The trail cuts south downslope through the meadows to the edge of the White River Valley to the two Emmons Vista Overlooks. Just before the first overlook, the Sunrise Rim Trail branches off to the west.

Both overlooks provide excellent views of Mount Rainier, the Emmons Glacier, and White River Valley. Look for wildlife, including black-tailed deer, mountain goats, marmots, golden-mantled ground squirrels, and birds, in the meadows. The meadows feature a wide variety of flowers, with peak bloom in mid-to-late July, and can have colorful fall foliage starting in September.

Always check current conditions before heading out and be prepared with the Ten Essentials. Please do not feed any wildlife. Stay on the trail at all times to protect the delicate subalpine vegetation. Pets are not allowed on trails. Download a Sunrise Area Trails Map or pick up a map from a ranger at the Sunrise Visitor Center before starting your hike.

Hiking

The Emmons Vista Trailhead connects to several trails in the Sunrise Area.

Emmons Vista Overlooks – 0.5 miles round-trip, 70 feet elevation gain.
From the trailhead, follow the trail downslope through the meadows to the first Emmons Vista Overlook, then continue along the edge of the White River Valley to the second Emmons Vista Overlook. Exhibit panels at each overlook provide information about Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier.

Silver Forest Trail – 1.6 miles round-trip, 150 feet elevation gain.
Follow the trail to the Emmons Vista Overlooks, then continue past the overlooks through an old burn area. This easy trail is excellent for viewing wildflowers.

Sunrise Rim Trail – 5.2 miles round-trip, 1000 feet elevation gain.
Follow the Sunrise Rim Trail to Shadow Lake continuing to Glacier Overlook and 1st Burroughs Mountain. Return via Frozen Lake and the Sourdough Ridge Trail to make a loop, 5 miles round-trip.

White River Campground via Wonderland Trail – 2.8 miles one-way, 2080 feet elevation gain.
Follow the Sunrise Rim Trail to the junction with the Wonderland Trail, which descends the side of the White River Valley to reach the campground.