Mt. Rainier – A Labor Day Weekend Trip To Sunrise
Along with hundreds of other people from around Washington State, my family took part of the holiday weekend, and spent it at Mt. Rainier National Park. Traffic wasn't too bad, with only a short delay getting into the park due to the volume of vehicles. Weather was perfect, views were fantastic. Enjoy the photos, and keep in mind the Sunrise Visitors Center closes on September 25th
Mt. Rainier from Lake Tipsoo.
Taken just after crossing Chinook Pass into the park.
On the road to Sunrise.
Sunrise is the main visitors area on the east side of the mountain. It is less visited than the Paradise area on the southwest side, but at 6400 feet, it's the highest point you can drive in the park.
Sunrise used to called Yakima Park.
The mountain meadows at Sunrise were full of blooming wildflowers. Sunrise used to be called Yakima Park, because the Yakama people hunted, picked berries and dug roots here for centuries.
Don't forget that picnic basket!
The picnic area at Sunrise has great mountain views. Remember to clean up all trash and food remnants. There are plenty of bear proof trash cans and recycle bins.
Watch for wildlife!
This doe crashed our picnic, but was very well mannered as we kept our distance.
Views from Sunrise Point.
Sunrise Point is a unique viewpoint along the highway as it offers 360 degree views of the area. This is a telephoto shot of Mt. Adams to the south.
Mt. Rainier from Sunrise Point.
Most views of Mt. Rainier you see in photos are from the north, west or south. The east face definitely has it's own personality.
The Tatoosh Range
The Tatoosh Range in the Cascades is one of the many beautiful vistas from Sunrise Point.
Mt. Adams again.
A closer telephoto shot of Mt Adams from Sunrise Point.
Mt. Rainier's Eastern Face
Definitely the least photographed. Mt. Rainier's eastern face is still stunningly majestic.
Mt. Adams close up.
In this telephoto shot, we see Mt. Adams' north face. From Yakima we see the eastern face.
On the way home.
Headed back up to Chinook Pass on Highway 410, you get great views of the mountain and the White River below.
A trip to Mount Rainier is a terrific day trip.
Only about 90 minutes from Yakima, Mt. Rainier is one of those places many of take for granted, since it's always there. A fall trip with the changing colors in the Cascades would be fantastic! http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
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