
Drives Washington Mount Rainier and the South Cascades
Sunrise Road
Sunrise Road, White River Road, Sunrise Park Road · Highway 410 → Sunrise
The drive
Sunrise Road climbs from Highway 410 at White River to Sunrise, the highest point in Mount Rainier National Park that you can reach by vehicle at about 6,400 feet. It's 15 miles of tight switchbacks through subalpine forest, with a climb of about 3,200 feet.
It's driven uphill, which is the better direction: the mountain grows ahead of you. The road passes the White River entrance, then climbs to the Sunrise area, where Emmons Glacier is visible across the valley. The drive ends on the road short of the visitor center lot.
Sunrise has a visitor center and a day lodge in summer, with food service and a gift shop, but no overnight lodging.
Along the way
- Highway 410 (White River)
- Sunrise
Good to know
- A park entrance fee or pass applies at the White River entrance.
- Snow closes the road for much of the year. It usually opens in late June or early July and closes from late September to early October.
- The visitor center is open early July to early September. The day lodge is open early July to late September.
- Overnight vehicle camping is not allowed at Sunrise or in roadside pullouts.
Closed by snow from about October to early July; usually open July to early October. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Mount Rainier National Park: road status.
Questions about this drive
When does Sunrise Road open?
Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early July and closes from late September to early October, depending on snow. Check the park's road status page.
How long does Sunrise Road take to drive?
Sunrise Road from Highway 410 to Sunrise is 15 miles and takes about 31 minutes.
How high is Sunrise?
Sunrise sits at about 6,400 feet, the highest point in Mount Rainier National Park reachable by vehicle.
Is there a fee to drive Sunrise Road?
Yes. The road is inside Mount Rainier National Park, so the park entrance fee or a valid pass applies.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.



