Cirque Rim Nature Trail to Sunrise Viewpoint Trail
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Cirque Rim Nature Trail to Sunrise Viewpoint Trail
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We’re all suckers for a good viewpoint, right? Especially at sunrise! Whether you’re visiting early in the day or later, the Sunrise Viewpoint via the Cirque Rim Nature Trail is a fabulous adventure. This hike allows you to gaze over Olympic National Park all the way to Canada across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This hike is very short and very easy and features wildflower blooms in the middle of summer.
Sunrise Viewpoint is also commonly accessed by the High Nature Trail.
Getting there
The trailhead for Sunrise Viewpoint via Cirque Rim Nature Trail is on Hurricane Ridge Road just west of the visitor center.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | June-October |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Cirque Rim Nature Trail to Sunrise Viewpoint Trail
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Cirque Rim Nature Trail to Sunrise Viewpoint Hike Description
Sunrise Viewpoint offers a knockout view without much hiking required, making it an ideal choice for those seeking maximum reward for minimal effort. This hike is brief, easy to follow, and impressive at the top, where you’ll be able to see all the way across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island.
Bears frequent the area, so make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and hike in a group if possible. Do this hike on a clear day if possible.
Begin from the roadside, heading up to the junction. Take care to arrive at the proper trailhead as the alternate route to Sunrise Viewpoint begins just down the road. Go right at the T-junction onto Cirque Rim Nature Trail. Stay left before gently climbing uphill, eventually joining up with the High Ridge Nature Trail to make it to the viewpoint. Look over the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park behind you and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.
When you’re ready, descend from the viewpoint the same way you came up.
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