Why Everyone Should Visit Mount Rainier National Park At Least Once In Their Lives

Its common knowledge that the Pacific Northwest is wet (very wet). Fittingly it is also home to Mount Rainer National Park that includes all of Mount Rainier - an imposing stratovolcano. It is a very old national park being only America's first national park having been established back in 1899. Remember to bring waterproof clothing if visiting this famously wet national park!

Mount Rainer is the highest mountain in the United States and is considered to be the most topographically prominent mountain in the contiguous United States. It is a truly beautiful marvel to behold.

About Mount Rainer National Park

Date: Established 1899
Size: 369 Square Miles or 957 Sq Km

Mount Rainier is a stunning mountain raising 14,411 feet or 4,392 meters above sea level and dominates the landscape around it. It is the highest point in the Cascade Range and is known for its waterfalls, subalpine meadows, old-growth forest, and picturesque valleys. Living up to its name, it is often shrouded by clouds that pour enormous amounts of snow and rain on the mountain perpetually feeding its many glaciers and waterfalls.

Not only is Mount Rainier a volcano, but it is also classified as an active volcano. It is also the most glaciated peak anywhere in the contiguous United States. See here for 10 active volcanos to visit around the world.

Carbon Glacier: The Largest Glacier by Volume In The Lower 48
Emmons Glacier: Largest Glacier By Area In The Lower 48

Mount Rainer is also considered to be one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes. It is believed that there is a high probability of an eruption in the near future. Should it erupt, the massive amount of glaciers crowning the mountain are likely to create massive lahars. If one wants to see active and unforgettable volcanic landscapes, then be sure to visit Hawaii.

Lahars: A Type of Violent Mudflow That Sweep Down A River Valley (For Mount Rainier Threaten The Entire Puyallup River Valley)

Activities In The National Park

There are many activities to enjoy in Mount Rainer National Park. Some are season dependant, while others can be enjoyed year-round.

Year-Round Activities include camping both inside and outside the park as well as wildlife watching. The summer is high season and is great for fishing, hiking high up the mountain, horseback riding, mountaineering (Mount Rainier is very popular for mountaineering), as well as seeing the beautiful alpine meadow wildflowers. In the winter one can enjoy many winter-based activities like cross-country skiing, skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and for those up to it, winter camping.

If visiting in the summer, consider these activities to get a stunning view of the mountain:

Hot Air Ballooning: Tours By Seattle Balloons, Shared Rides Start At $295.00 and Private Rides At $1,400. Offers Magical Views Of The Mountain
Scenic Gondola Rides: Take The Stunning Scenic Gondola Rides Up to The Summit of Crystal Mountain and Enjoy the Epic Sweeping Views of Mount Rainier

Hiking On Mount Rainier

Of course one of the main activities on the mountain is hiking. There are many trails to discover. One of the greatest trails here is the Wonderland Trail. It circumnavigates Mount Rainer offering many majestic views. Most people only hike short sections of it.

Permits: Permits Are Not Required For Day Hiking, But Camping Overnight Requires A Permit In The Wilderness Are

Wonderland Trail

Length: Approx. 93 Miles or 150 KM
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 22,000 Feet or 6,700 Meters
Built: In 1915
Average Time To Complete: 10 to 14 Days

There are scores of trails to pick from (they are not all like the Wonderland Trail) and they cater to everyone. Everyone from the most hardcore hikers to those looking for a leisurely stroll with the kids. Some of the trails by area include (all distances return journey):

Northwest Area Trails

Carbon Glacier Trail: 17 Miles
Green Lake Trail: 10.8 Miles
Golden Lakes Trail: 20.4 Miles
Northeast Area Trails:
Burroughs Mountian Trail: 7 Miles
Naches Peak Loop Trail: 3.5 Miles
Glacier Basin Trail: 7 Miles

Southwest Area Trails

Bench & Snow Lake Trail: 2.5 Miles
Comet Falls & Van Trump Park Trail: 3.8-5.8 Miles
Emerald Ridge Trail: 17.2 Miles
Southeast Area Trails:
Eastside Trail: 26.2 Miles
Shriner Peak Trail: 8 Miles
Silver Falls Trail: 3 Miles

For a full list of trails, the shelters or camping options on them, and the current status of these trails, check out the National Park Service website.