Sally’s Mt Rainier Blog

Photos taken Sunday afternoon on July 20, 2008……..

Thanks to Susan who emailed and told me that Sunrise was melted with flowers, we wouldn’t have made this late Sunday afternoon trip to have dinner in the picnic area of Sunrise.  Thanks Susan! You were so right! Sunrise is perfect for hiking presently with FLOWERS! My information on July 13th posting was wrong. That is the last time I listen to the park information since it is so often “old” and obsolete.

DON’T FORGET TO CLICK ON “Archives” on the left side of this posting to see all the other blog journals with lots of photos!!!

 


Oh my! Summer has arrived at Sunrise with flowers on the hills and alongside the road!  Since Sunrise gets plenty of sun, the snow has quickly melted!  There are snow patches here and there as reminders of the heavy snowfall late in May and June, but otherwise, Sunrise is putting on its usual up close show.







Sunrise area provides an unmatched experience found no where else in the park. At Sunrise the mountain is huge and it feels close enough to touch. The blue icy crevasses are distinctly visible while dust from rocks falling often is seen rising as the mountain warms. Clouds at Sunrise form interesting wispy formations as they pass over the mountain. Mountain goats can often be seen on the slopes behind the lodge in the early morning or late evening hours. The direct sun and openness of this area hides the meadow flower colors until late afternoons or cloudy days. The dry sandy hillsides of Sunrise are distinctive eastern Washington terrain with shorter hardy alpine trees.  

Most of the major hikes at Sunrise are presently perfect for hiking except for two areas that normally melt sometime in August. Make sure and check with the ranger station at Sunrise for current information and pick up a map of all the trails for your convenience. The picnic area has both sunny and shaded tables in a pleasant setting. There are awesome viewing areas with plenty to see especially on sunny days. Many people become overwhelmed by the enormity of the views snapping tons of pictures. Expect to spend a full day at Sunrise with your eyes glued to the mountain and all that surrounds it.  Sunrise in Mt. Rainier National Park has a short season that will last until sometime in September. Be sure and visit soon!  


Sally Johnson
Sally’s Photos
www.mtrainierphotos.com