Sumner: Rhubarb History and Trails Along the White River

Several specific interests come together in Sumner: trails and nature along the White River, parks with views of Mount Rainier, and local history connected to rhubarb. You can plan your visit around whether you’re mainly looking to spend time outdoors, learn about local history, or discover rhubarb’s culinary side. If you’re looking for a hotel, these highlights give you a clear basis for choosing where to stay.

Nature and Trails Along the White River

The Sumner Link Trail connects the Interurban Trail and the Foothills Trail along the White River. The route connecting Seattle to Mount Rainier is open to hikers and cyclists. Along the trail, you can enjoy river views and find opportunities to observe wildlife and native vegetation. This makes it possible to combine river views and nature watching on a walk or bike ride. Check the route details before setting out so your plans are based on the current route.

Sumner’s Parks and History

Rainier View Park features mosaic art and views of Mount Rainier. Reuben A. Knoblauch Heritage Park was planned and built in 1995–1996, with local individuals, families, and businesses donating materials and labor. The park’s history therefore also includes the community’s role in its creation. To choose between the two parks, consider their different focuses: mosaic art and mountain views at Rainier View Park, and the story of its creation at Heritage Park.

A free virtual tour lasts 30 minutes and introduces Sumner in the 1920s. This gives you a clearly defined block of time to plan around; the tour’s historical content also offers a counterpoint to the nature and park themes.

Rhubarb: From Farming to a Taste

After a plant disease destroyed the profitable hop industry overnight, Sumner farmers began growing rhubarb. Henry Knoblauch was the first grower of commercial forced rhubarb in the Sumner area. In 1893, Adam Knoblauch shipped the first field-grown rhubarb to Seattle. These are two distinct aspects of the story: commercial forced rhubarb in the Sumner area and field-grown rhubarb shipped to Seattle in 1893.

If you’d also like to explore the subject through food, you can try rhubarb pie at cafés on Main Street; offerings may vary from one café to another. Check the specific event dates before your trip.

Travel Time to Seattle

An official project announcement from 2024 gives an approximate travel time of 40 minutes from Sumner Station to Seattle’s King Street Station. Check the current schedule before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ashford, Eatonville, Lakewood, Lake Tapps, Tacoma, Fox Island, Fife, Buckley

For the broader travel overview: Pierce.