At Cayuse Pass, continue north on Washington Hwy. 410, then make a sharp left toward the White River Entrance. The road ends at Sunrise. Spire-shaped subalpine fir and whitebark pine grow here. Near tree line, harsh temperatures and winds stunt the trees into twisted shrubs called krummholz, or elfin timber; trees only inches in diameter may be 250 years old. Fragile wildflowers bloom among grass and sedge in terrain inhospitable to trees. At the visitor center ask about snow conditions on the higher trails. If time is short, take the self-guided Sourdough Ridge Nature Trail for 1.5 miles [2.4 kilometers], then the Emmons Vista Trail for 0.5 mile [0.8 kilometer]. The Sourdough Ridge trail, which starts with a climb, introduces plants and animals of the subalpine region. The Emmons Vista Trail offers an easy way to view Emmons Glacier, Mt. Rainier’s largest, covering more than 4 square miles [10 square kilometers].
But if you have more time and energy, and the snow has melted (snow on the slopes can be dangerous if you’re not equipped with an ice ax and trained to use it), take the Burroughs Mountain Trail (5 miles [8 kilometers] to First Burroughs, or 7 miles [11.3 kilometers] to Second Burroughs). Begin as for the nature trail, but turn left about half way up the hill and follow the signs. The trail soon enters tundra. Compact little plants sport lilliputian blossoms and leaves that are dull gray from the tiny hairs that protect them against drying winds. Stay on the trail: If trod on, these plants can take decades to heal. At Second Burroughs you feel you can almost touch Mt. Rainier’s imposing peak. Return to your car by way of the Sunrise Rim Trail.
