Mount Rainier National Park Washington State: The high altitude beauty of North America’s Fifth National park
A majestic peak in Washington State, Mount Rainier is a sight to see and a place to explore.
It’s a wonderland for any adventurer, with something for everyone. Join us in learning more about this amazing place.
Grand, majestic, magnificent are but a few words to describe Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. Mount Rainier sits on top of the Cascade Range and it commands respect from all who come into its presence.
The peak of Mount Rainier is the highest in the Cascade Range, standing over 14,411ft above sea level. There to greet you will be dazzling views of pristine wilderness and snow-capped peaks – an enormous victory considering its close proximity to the city. Standing before this stratovolcano is an unparalleled experience – it’s hard to believe that you are actually in an American national park.
History of Mount Rainier National Park Washington State
Mount Rainier was known to the Puyallup people as Tahoma or Tacoma long before the United States was founded.
The park’s human history includes the area’s earliest inhabitants, the Native Americans who lived in the region for thousands of years. The park is also home to archaeological evidence of settlements dating as far back as 4,000–5,800 BP (Before present).
First visitors were early European explorers, and later trappers and mountain climbers. One the most famous early recorded visit was by renowned naturalist John Muir, who wrote about the park and is known for his role in influencing the creation of Mt. Rainier National Parks as well as the Grand Canyon, Kings Canyon, and Petrified Forest.
In 1792, Captain George Vancouver bestowed the peak’s name in honor of his friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier jr.
And on March 2, 1899, Congress passed a bill which was signed by President William McKinley authorized the creation of Mount Rainier National Park as the fifth national park in the US at the time.
Climate and Geography
Mount Rainier is at once a place of wild beauty and a stark wilderness. The park’s climate varies greatly, from temperate and mild in the lower areas to cold and harsh above the treeline.
The park is located about 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma area and encompasses 368 square miles.
The flora and fauna reflect the park’s altitude, with plants and animals that thrive in the cool, moist conditions of a mountain environment.
The higher elevations host beautiful meadows surrounded by rugged peaks – and beyond lies an ice-capped volcano.
Mount Rainier National Park has numerous alpine lakes, waterfalls and subalpine wildflower meadows. The park is renowned for its wildflower displays and boasts one of the finest remaining examples of an alpine ecosystem in the Cascade Range.
Wildlife includes black bear, cougar, raccoons, bobcats, marmots, pikas, elk, mountain goats etc. The variety of birds includes the majestic bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Canada jay, ptarmigan, golden eagle, grosbeak finch etc.
The park offers fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, and sculpins in its lakes, rivers, and streams. Additionally, migratory salmon are found in the park’s rivers.
Mount Rainier is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states; there are more than 40 named glaciers on Mount Rainier, including the largest in the contiguous United States – Carbon Glacier.
How to Get to Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is a magnificent place. But to reach it, there are four important entrances you can choose from.
● Nisqually Entrance located on the southwest corner of the park;
● Stevens Canyon Entrance is on the southeast corner of the park;
● White River Entrance is on the northeast corner of the park;
● Carbon River Entrance is on the northwest corner of the park.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State: Activities and Attractions
The park offers several ways to enjoy its spectacular beauty.
One of the most popular activities is hiking on some 30 miles of trails, which lead to panoramic views and wildflower- glaciers cover 80 percent of the park’s land surface, and the mountain’s summit, more than 14,000 feet above sea level.
Mount Rainier is a year-round destination for hikers and climbers, while winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Other activities include scenic drives, wildlife viewing and photography, camping, ranger programs etc.
Major attractions of Mount Rainier Paradise.
One of the most popular attractions in Mount Rainier National Park is Paradise.
Paradise is the name of a 5,400-foot-high area on the south slope of Mount Rainier in the national park that provides stunning vistas of the mountain and, in some places, views of glaciers.
The historic Paradise Inn, built in 1916; Paradise Guide House, built in 1920; and Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, built in 1966 and rebuilt in 2008 are the major attractions of Paradise
Paradise is also the trailhead for one of the most popular hiking trails in the park: Skyline Trails.
Longmire:
East of the Nisqually Entrance about 6.5 miles (10.5km) away and at an elevation of 2,761 feet is Longmire.
Longmire Museum, National Park Inn and Longmire Wilderness Information Center are some of the major attractions at Longmire. And this is the second most visited destination of the park.
Longmire is named after a pioneer, James Longmire, who came to the area, and established a homestead here.
The area is nestled within the Nisqually River valley between The Ramparts Ridge and the Tatoosh Range surrounded by old-growth Douglas fir, western red cedar and western hemlock.
The Wonderland Trail also has a starting point at Longmire.
Sunrise:
Sunrise is a lodge and visitor center in the park’s northeastern sector. It is the highest point in the park that may be reached by car, and it is one of the most visited spots in Mount Rainier National Park. Sunrise boasts a few of the greatest mountain trails in the country around it. They include: Mount Fremont, Sourdough Ridge, and Burroughs Mountain trails.
It is located at an elevation of over 6,400 feet above sea level on the eastern slopes of Mount Rainier.
The Carbon River Entrance Station
Found in the northwest corner of the park, the Carbon River Entrance Station is also home to the park’s only rainforest. A dream destination for adventurous travelers, the campground offers a variety of activities right outside your door.
In addition to the campground, the Carbon River Entrance Station has a short trail through the rainforest and the opportunity to hike up to the Carbon Glacier which is one of the lowest elevation glaciers in the contiguous United States.
Mowich Lake
Lakes are part of the beauty of Mount Rainier National Park, and one of the most visited lakes is Mowich Lake – the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park.
Visitors can have a picnic at the Mowich Lake Picnic Area adjacent to this lake, create nice memories at the campground or hike to Spray Falls.
Things to do in Mount Rainier National Park
Of course you will want to take in the many things that Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.
Take a hike on one of its trails
The best way to experience this national treasure is by trekking on one of the many different hiking trails found within the national park boundaries.
There are over 2 dozen well-maintained trails that will lead you to breathtaking vistas, waterfalls and glaciers.
There are many options for hikers of all levels from easy day hikes to strenuous multi-day treks. Following are examples of the most popular trails found in Mount Rainier National Park.
5 of the best trails in Mount Rainier National Park
● Skyline Trail
● Burroughs Mountain Trail
● Naches Peak Loop Trail
● Silver Falls Trail
● Grove of the Patriarchs
Snow sports:
If you’re visiting Mount Rainier National Park between mid-November and early April, then winter sports should be on the top of your list.
Snow sports at Mount Rainier National Park include snowshoeing and skiing
Snowshoeing:
The best places to go snowshoeing in Mount Rainier National Park are Paradise, Longmire and Ohanapecosh.
Skiing:
There are two popular ski areas within the park boundaries – both of which offer downhill skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Alpine skiing is available at the Paradise Ski Area in Mount Rainier National Park, while downhill ski runs are found at the White River Ski Area near the town of Enumclaw.
Visit the waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park
Visitors can hike to a variety of spectacular falls during the spring and summer season when water flow is at its peak.
The most visited waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park are Silver Falls, Grove of the Patriarchs and Mystic Falls.
Camp out at one of the campgrounds:
Camping is a favorite activity for many visitors, and there are several campgrounds within the park boundaries.
The most popular campsites can be found at Ohanapecosh and Cougar Rock campgrounds.
Visitors can also stay in the Mowich Lake, White River and Carbon River campgrounds.
Mountaineering
If you’re looking for a thrill, try climbing Mount Rainier. It’s a challenge that raises your spirit while testing your endurance to the limit.
You will be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment that lasts long after the adventure is over.
Take a picture at the Reflection Lake
A picture is worth a thousand words, so take your camera on the short hike to Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park.
Visitors can enjoy taking photographs of Mount Rainier reflected on the surface of the lake when conditions are just right.
When is the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park?
Mount Rainier is a year-round destination that visitors flock to, but the best time to experience the park is during the summer months and early fall. During this time, the weather is pleasant and trails are devoid of snow and roads leading into the park are open.
For people interested in seeing the wildflowers that bloom in the meadows, mid-July through mid-August is the perfect time to visit.
Winter does not dampen the excitement at Mount Rainier National Park, especially for people who enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Snowfall is heavy in the park, and it is not unusual to have up to 50 feet of snow in places like Paradise.
Tips on visiting Mount Rainier National Park
1. Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round, but note that winter weather conditions can be harsh and the roads to get into the park can become closed when it snows.
2. For those who want to avoid the crowds, try visiting Mount Rainier National Park on a weekday during mid-week. During this time, you will avoid the busy weekend traffic and be able to experience Mount Rainier National Park without having to deal with long lines or crowded trails.
3. Park fees are $30 (2021) per car, which is good for seven days. The Mount Rainier Annual Pass is a good option if you plan to visit for more than seven days. It costs $55 (2021) and gives you unlimited visits for a period of one year.
4. For those who are interested in exploring the trails with their dogs, note that pets are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Pets are to be leash at all times or in a crate/cage and they are not allowed on any of the National Park Service-owned buildings.
5. The National Park Service has information on its website on closed trails and road closures, as well as park conditions. So, visit the website to check the status before you plan your trip.
If you like nature and being in contact with nature you might want to take a quick look at Hoh Rainforest in Washington State a quite interesting place to visit.
Accommodations near Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State
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