Most people, even those who are not easily excited by the stoic look of lofty mountains, would want to see Mt. Rainier. And there are several reasons why. For starters, this is the highest Volcanic peak in the contiguous United States. That’s to mean all the states are geographically connected. In effect, this leaves out the states of Hawaii and Alaska. But even without those two states, who would deny that that is still a remarkable feat? And here’s what might just be the clincher. Mt. Rainier has up to 25 major glaciers. We can’t even begin to grasp this mind-boggling feat. It means Mt. Rainier contains more than five times as much snow and ice as all the other Cascade volcanoes—combined.
And for those who want to gawk at this natural behemoth from Seattle, the Space Needle can be a pretty fine viewpoint. Here’s how.
Here’s The Best Time To See Mt. Rainier From Seattle’s Space Needle
Those in Seattle who may not have the time to travel to Mount Rainier National Park for a close-up view of the mountain—or hike the mountain’s craggy trails—can still grab some tantalizing views of “Tahoma,” as Mt. Rainier is referred to by several Native Americans. And those in Seattle, or visiting, may especially like the views from the Space Needle. Here’s the thing. The best time to view Mt. Rainier from the Space Needle is any clear day. In Seattle, as in many other places, that just happens to be in summer. While the summer months run from June through to September in Emerald City, the clearest months in Seattle happen to be July and August. So those who want to catch a glimpse of “the mountain” from the Space Needle—should bear this in mind.
Other than the month, it’s crucial to know the best time to view Mt. Rainier from the Space Needle. This is because one may come in July or August—but still fail to get a lucid outline of the highest mountain in the Cascade Range. And for this, early morning hours—just when the sun is rising—are usually ideal. Of course, the evening hours may also be as clear. The point is during the day; the Seattle sky can be obscured by clouds, dust, and water vapor. And with the sun blazing during the day, the strain on the eye can be a tad more disagreeable. According to Is The Mountain Out, a Twitter account that keeps a consistent tab on Mt. Rainier’s sightings in Seattle, sunrises are the best time to spot Mt. Rainer’s distant peaks from Seattle.
Unfortunately, one may want to note that during summer, the sun rises in Seattle around 5.00 AM. At this time, the Space Needle has usually not opened. Therefore, the best Mt. Rainier views from the Space Needle–will have to be in the evening hours.
- When Does The Space Needle Open For The Day? The Space Needle opens at 10.00 AM every day and year-round.
Other Things To Know If You Want To See Mount Rainier From The Space Needle
Aside from when to go and what time of day, there are several other things that those who want to see Mt. Rainier from the Space Needle may want to know in advance. For starters, the Space Needle has two levels of observation decks. The lower level, at 500 feet above Seattle soil, is known as the Loop. Its floor is all glass, and to make it even more adrenaline-inducing, it revolves continuously—making a complete cycle every 45 minutes. The higher level is 520 feet above the ground and 20 feet higher than the lower level. This is an open-air deck encircled by crystal-clear glass that makes it ideal for viewing the Seattle skyline. Aside from the Seattle skyline, one can see the craggy top of Mt. Rainier clearly, especially when the weather is agreeable.
While the restaurant that used to occupy the lower observation level of the Space Needle is entirely gone—thanks to the 2017-2018 renovation that gobbled up a staggering $100 million—those who’ll want to grab a bite while high up in the hazy Seattle sky can still get something to eat. There’s an eatery located on the upper observation deck known as Atmos Café. One can enjoy a bottle of beer here or sip some fine wine— while taking in amazing 360-degree views of the gleaming horizon, including Mt. Rainier.
- When Are The Operating Hours Of Atmos Café? The opening and closing hours of Atmos Café are the same as those of Space Needle.
Finally, parking is available for those who’ll be visiting the Loupe Lounge. The cost of parking is $18 per hour. And still, on costs, admission to the Space Needle entails a standard charge of $35-$37.5—except for seniors (above 64), who’ll pay between $30 and $32—and youth (5-12) who’ll pay between $26 and $28. While a cruise up the Seattle sky can look intimidating, even frightening, the exciting views that stretch to Mt. Rainier will more than compensate.