Mount Rainier National Park Travel Information
Mt. Rainier is 14,110 feet high, an active volcano covered in ice and
snow. The glaciers that keep this peak white and cold year round
stand in sharp contrast to the old-growth forests and subalpine
meadows ringing the mountain's flanks during spring and summer. While
visitors have little to fear these days from lava –the mountain hasn't
seen an explosion in hundreds of years –storms form quickly on
Rainier, taking the lives of many would-be climbers, even experienced
mountaineers. Three locations in the south provide access to the
park, as does an entrance on the northwest side and another in the
east. Most visitors to Mt. Rainier are after a quick peek at the peak
or some camping and hiking in the wilderness. Popular with hikers is
the Wonderland Trail, circumventing the base of Mt. Rainier in 93
miles. There are over 240 miles of trails through the park though, if
you didn't pack the gear for this ten-day hike. Take a permit for
overnight camping outside of designated areas. Climbers usually
make their assault on the summit of Mt. Rainier from Camp Muir.
With views of Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, Muir is a solid
overnight hike for those after altitude without the trappings of a
full climbing expedition. Short paved trails cater to child-hikers
and anyone less keen on heights. In winter, the park is a paradise,
strap on cross-country skis or a pair of snowshoes and explore. Mt.
Rainier is 95 miles southeast of Seattle.
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