By Mitch Pittman, WNPF Creative Partner and Marketing Committee Volunteer
All of my friends will tell you, I’m the furthest thing from a morning person. The darkness, the bleary eyes, the stumbling around my house (or tent) for that first cup of coffee. But if there’s one thing I know to be true in life, it’s always worth getting up for a sunrise. As much as it pains me, I’ve never once been disappointed about rising and waiting for the sun to shine.
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But where to go for the best sunrises? Oftentimes, us hikers will see the sky illuminate on the way to a hike, but the color is best enjoyed while already out in nature. In fact, a big reason why I started backpacking was to be out more for sunrise and sunset, but that’s a whole other article…
In my decade-plus of hiking in Washington’s three national parks, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying many beautiful sunrises. Here are a few of my favorite spots to soak in the first rays of the day – some are classics, others might be a little more surprising.
Mount Rainier National Park
When one of the most popular places in the park is called Sunrise, you know it must be the best spot, right? Well, while the Fremont fire lookout is certainly a lovely spot, I’d make the case that the best spot to take in a sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park is from another fire lookout – Tolmie. Situated in the northwest corner of the park, it’s considered a classic hike for a reason!
It’s worth noting that camping isn’t allowed in any of the fire lookouts in the park, and the only place you can camp anywhere near one is at Shriner Peak (also a nice sunrise spot).
Another fantastic spot to witness light spilling across the glaciers of Rainier is from Pinnacle Saddle in the Tatoosh. In fact, this is my favorite place to see Rainier at any time of the day, but in the morning the glaciers, ridges, and alpine meadows really come to life. It’s a short 1.5 mile hike to reach the saddle, where you’ll also find great views of Goat Rocks and Mount Adams. Plus, if you don’t feel like hiking (or you overslept a bit) watching from Reflection Lakes is also an incredible vantage. While close to Paradise, I’ll take these locations as they’re set a bit farther back and afford even grander views.
Yes, Sunrise will make the list… Set right at timberline, epic views of this noble side of Rainier are attainable just a few steps up the trail toward Sourdough Ridge, though many early birds make the hike all the way to the Fremont fire lookout. Be warned though, crowds drawn by the name alone can be in the dozens, so if you’re looking for a solitary moment at dawn, perhaps journey elsewhere or head up the Burroughs instead.
📢 NOTE: Starting on May 24, 2024, the Paradise Corridor will require a timed entry reservation and the Sunrise Corridor timed entry reservations will start on July 4, 2024. Reservations are required until September 2, 2024. Learn more about timed entry here.
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Honorable Mention: For those lucky enough to make the journey, any climber will tell you the true best place to watch the sunrise in the park is high on the side of the Emmons Glacier en route to the summit. Sunrise starts hitting the upper slopes before 4am midsummer, and all of the sudden you’re being bathed in pink and orange light. The world is aglow and instantly brings warmth to your body and spirit.
Looking to summit Mount Rainier? Consider WNPF’s Climb for a Cause program this summer!
Olympic National Park
Sometimes the lowest hanging fruit is also the most delicious, and this is certainly the case with watching the sunrise from Hurricane Ridge. It’s a simple drive from sea level directly into the subalpine meadows filled with deer and wildflowers. There are numerous spots from which to take in the sunrise, so like with any location, get there a bit early to find one that’s peaceful and has a clear view.
Lake Crescent is another great place to greet the day. While you won’t have the same sweeping views of peaks, the calm, cool lake instills you with peace as hear the forest wake up with you. There are several spots around the lake to watch from, but right in the middle near Lake Crescent Lodge provides you with the most options for where the light is hitting.
For something a little more off the beaten path, Upper Lena Lake is a lovely high lake in the south part of the park. Permits are required, but if you’re able to snag one, the valley that holds this little slice of heaven opens up directly to the east and lets in beautiful morning light.
📢 NOTE: A great resource to incorporate in your sunrise plans is WNPF’s webcams page! Fun fact: The Hurricane Ridge webcams were restored after the tragic day lodge fire thanks to WNPF donors.
North Cascades National Park
📢 NOTE: Fires around Washington State may affect your trip, especially to the North Cascades. Be sure to check the park’s Fire Closures and overall Current Conditions for the status of roads, trails, and campgrounds.
Another location where it’s just as beautiful as it is easy to reach! Right in the parking lot at Artist Point you get stunning views of Shuksan (the second tallest peak in North Cascades National Park), Mount Baker, and countless other peaks in every direction. While the parking lot itself is not technically in the park, Shuksan and several other peaks are, so we’ll count it. Besides, Baker and much of the surrounding area was within the originally proposed park boundaries.
Learn the difference between National Parks and National Forests in this blog!
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But enough history – we’re here for the views. My favorite spot to go is to the top of Huntoon Point – named after Bert Huntoon, one of Washington’s first nature photographers/influencers over 100 years ago (sorry, couldn’t even go one sentence without more history!)
It’s also quite nice to mosey out the Ptarmigan Ridge trail toward Baker as far as you want to go, the views only improve the farther you go. Artist Point is also a great spot to snow camp in the winter and catch an extra special sunrise, but please be aware of avalanche conditions before heading out.
Speaking of Shuksan, the icy slopes of the North Cascades’ most photogenic peak are quite the place to take pictures as well. Like the upper reaches of Mount Rainier, this is a spot that takes glacier travel skills and great physical effort to reach, but the reward is unmatched. From the mighty Sulphide Glacier, the jagged Picket Range shoots up dramatically to the east, while the entire Cascade Crest unfurls beneath you to the south.
Read what it’s like to climb Mount Shuksan!
For a still-dramatic yet much less involved adventure (no glacier travel and only a couple miles), simply take the approach trail for the Sulphide glacier and stop along Shannon Ridge with up-close views of Bacon and Blum to the east and mighty Kulshan (Mount Baker) to the west.
Hidden Lake Lookout is yet another marvelous spot with views in every direction – as fire lookouts do. Given the distance, camping is the best way to catch first light up here. The lookout is first-come-first-served and open without reservation, but camping in the lake basin itself is within park boundaries and requires a permit. Pro tip: while the lookout itself is a great spot to take in the views, heading north toward the main Hidden Lake Peak summit will quickly bring you to a giant flat rock that’s great for kicking back and enjoying the setting with a bit more solitude.
I hope you add any or all of these sunrise spots to your bucket list. Remember to tag Washington’s National Park Fund (@wanatlparkfund) on your summer adventures – we want to see what you’re up to and might even share it on their Instagram page. Happy trails!
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. We raise private support to preserve and protect Washington’s national parks by funding scientific research, youth and family experiences, and projects that will keep these parks strong and vital now and forever, for everyone.
Cover photo and blog photos all courtesy of Mitch Pittman, WNPF Creative Partner
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