Sumner brings together trails along the White River and the history of rhubarb. These two themes offer different ways to shape a trip: head outdoors on the Sumner Link Trail or explore local agriculture and its culinary legacy. There’s also mosaic art, views of Mount Rainier, and a virtual look at the 1920s. When choosing accommodation, it’s worth first considering which themes will shape your trip; the places and experiences below can help make that decision more concrete.

River Trails and Views

The Sumner Link Trail connects the Interurban Trail and the Foothills Trail along the White River. It offers a hiking or biking route linking Seattle to Mount Rainier. Along the river, the trail provides views of the White River and opportunities to observe wildlife and native vegetation. Outdoor activity and nature observation go hand in hand: you can consider the trail as a hiking or biking option while also taking in the river as a scenic feature. Check the route details before setting out so your plans match the specific route.

Rainier View Park offers a different focus, with mosaic art and views of Mount Rainier. The Sumner Link Trail emphasizes the river, nature observation, and the connection between the two trails, while the park combines art and mountain views. This gives you a choice between an activity-focused route and a park with art and scenic views, depending on your interests.

Rhubarb from Agriculture to the Kitchen

Sumner’s rhubarb story began with a sudden shift in agriculture: after a plant disease destroyed the lucrative hop industry overnight, Sumner farmers began growing rhubarb. Henry Knoblauch was the first commercial forcing rhubarb grower in the Sumner area. Rhubarb also offers a culinary connection to the region’s agricultural history: visitors can try rhubarb pie at cafés on Main Street. As availability can vary by café, it’s worth checking each café’s offerings before visiting.

Local History from Two Perspectives

A free virtual tour presents Sumner in the 1920s; it lasts 30 minutes and is available on the Sumner Historical Society website. Its manageable time frame makes it easy to plan as a standalone history activity. Its focus differs from the rhubarb story: that story centers on changes in agriculture, while the tour looks at Sumner in the 1920s.

Travel Information

The trip from Sumner Station to Seattle’s King Street Station takes about 40 minutes. Check the current schedule before traveling, as schedules may change.

Explore more destinations: Dupont, Lakebay, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Graham, University Place, Fife, Tacoma.

See the overview of the wider area: Pierce.