Looking for an outdoor escape during these summer months?

Try these natural attractions near our corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The information comes courtesy of visitrainier.com.

Visit the Rainforest at Carbon River

Located in the extreme northwestern corner of the park, the Carbon River area of the park invites visitors to explore a unique ecosystem — an inland temperate rainforest. Here processions of moisture-laden clouds deposit copious amounts of precipitation-between 70 and 90 inches of rainfall annually upon this deep canyon embracing the roaring, glacier-fed Carbon River.

See Exhibits at the Sunrise Visitor Center

The exhibits at the Sunrise Visitor Center tell the story of the Sunrise area of the park. Learn about the volcanic forces that created the mountain, the glaciers that mold the landscape, the plant and animal life of the subalpine meadows, and the tribes that are tied to the area. The story is told through photos, words, artifacts, models and video. A recently refurbished visitor center re-opened in the summer of 2011. The resulting space is a special tribute to the beauty and wonder of the Sunrise area of Mt. Rainier National Park.

Hike the Sourdough Ridge at Sunrise

Climb into alpine splendor on the family-friendly Sourdough Ridge Trail. It’s just the trail for those looking to experience the quintessential Sunrise area hike. The trail boasts in-your-face mountain views, a trek through Sunrise’s famous alpine meadows and common sightings of Mount Rainier’s endearing marmots. The route climbs quickly from the bustling Sunrise Visitor Center area to the top of Sourdough Ridge and continues east skirting the summit of Antler Peak. Admire the hardy wildflowers that have successfully adapted to the alpine environment.