Ride Report: Ride to Sunrise (6/30/2016)

Cycling to Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park car-free is an epic excursion. The park service allows cyclists to use the road for a few weeks before Sunrise is ready for the masses of visitors. Dates each year are dependent on amount of snow, winter damage, and time to ready the road and facilities. Typically the car-free period is late June.

At an elevation of 6,500 feet, Sunrise is the highest point that can be reached by road in the Mount Rainier National Park.

Start: Start at Crystal Ski Resort turnoff on Highway 410.
When: Thursday June 30, 2016. Road to open for cars and campers on July 1st.
Stats: 40.7 miles and 4300 feet of climb.

A quick check of the road status at https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/road-status.htm and weather assured me of a car-free experience and views. The bikes were loaded and we left the house around 7:00 AM, arriving by 8:30 AM to start the ride. The ride started from the turnoff to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. As soon as you drive left onto Crystal Mountain Blvd, the gravel parking lot is on the right. The other start location options are White River Rainer Station or the White River Campground.

The temperature was cool, and I started the ride wearing a light jacket and arm warmers. I road on HW 410 till the fork. At the fork, I turned right onto Sunrise Park Road. Left is Mather Memorial Parkway / HW 410.

The road descended to the White River Entrance and White River Ranger Station. At the entrance, I gleefully paid my non-vehicle $10 fee to enter the park. I stopped to use the restroom facilities and drinking water. From the White River Ranger Station, the ascent started.

I continued to the White River Campground. This was where the gate was closed to vehicles. Before the gate, the traffic on the road was minimal. I continued past the gate and up to Sunrise with an occasional park service or worker vehicle on the road. The sun was out and we took off our jackets. The climb was long and gradual.

About every 3-4 miles we stopped to take a break off the bikes and take pictures. Without the ups and downs of hills in the Seattle area, there was no coasting to rest. I stopped to stretch my back and hamstrings as my lower bike was aching off and on from the continuous climbing.

The route between lush forest and views of Mount Rainier was breath taking. The sweet smell of the trees was heavenly. The temperature high was 60 which was a perfect temperature to ride. At times a light breeze blowed. I was above the clouds in views and spirit. Some of the wild flowers were coming out, but were not blooming yet. I could tell from the foliage, the sides of the road were soon to be ablaze with colorful flowers. I saw patches of snow in the forest reminding us of the contrast of the harsh winter and glorious summer.

Sunrise Point – Sweeping views of the Cascade Range to the east, Sunrise Lake to the north, and Mount Rainier to the southwest.

The mid-mountain forest occurs at 3,000-4,500 feet. The forests opens up, occasionally providing views of Rainier and the river valleys. The trees in this transitional forest include hemlock, fir, cedar, and pine. At these elevations, the trees must adapt to harsh winters, heavy snow, and a shorter growing season.

At the top, workers were busily preparing the Sunrise Visitor Center and Sunrise Day Lodge for the opening of Sunrise the next day (July 1st). As the buildings were closed, I needed to bring my own food and water. 2 bottles worked perfectly for the trip up the mountain and back down. I carried snacks for the ride up and at the top. Most of the hiking paths were still covered in snow.

Sunrise – The fortress and blockade style structures as well as the rustic Day Lodge are part of the National Historic Landmark District. They are set amid colorful subalpine meadows with Emmons Glacier and Mount Rainier as a stunning backdrop.

Yakima Park – The meadows surrounding Sunrise are known collectively as Yakima Park. This subalpine meadows area was a favorite of the Native American Yakima people for hunting and gathering.

The jacket was put back on and I started the long descent. The 1st part of the descent had a drop off with no guardrails. We stayed in the middle of the road. We were diligent for rock and spots of uneven pavement. As I was descending, I noticed cars and a camper heading up the mountain. Once down, I talked to the ranger and learned the park service decided to open the gate early. They opened the gate around noon.

I give this ride 5 stars. Especially thankful to ride with my friend Laurie which added to the fun and gives the ride more stars. I would do this again next year on a bright sunny day and while the road is closed to cars. The ride was a great ending to a early summer vacation.

RAMROD (Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day) in late July encompasses 2 very long climbs. The Sunrise trip is a perfect ride to experience the type of hills on RAMROD.

Here is the mileage summary to destination:

Mile 0: Start (Crystal Ski Resort turnoff)
Mile .2: Enter Mount Rainer National Park
Mile 5.6: Right turn onto Sunrise Park Road
Mile 6.9: Stop at White River Entrance & Ranger Station; $10 entry fee
Mile 11: Locked Gate just after road to White River Campground
Miles 12-13: Some twists in road, corners maybe 8% grade
Miles 15-21: Super long switchbacks with very gentle grade
Miles 21.5: Destination (Sunrise)

As this is a mountain, we came prepared with extra clothes for layering against the elements, food, water, multitool, flat kits, and 1st aid kits.

“The highest and most imposing mountain in our country, outside of Alaska, is Mount Rainier – Tahoma, the Indians called it – “the mountain that was God.” It is the representative of the Cascades, and the crown of the Puget Sea. One’s first view of Rainier, or Tacoma, can never be forgotten…. It is the chosen Apollo among these giant cones that show themselves to men, — rising in one majestic sweep from the surge of the Puget Sea to the stars of Heaven….” –John Wesley Carter, From the Heights, 1911

Happy 100th Birthday National Park Service.