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Exploring Mount Rainier National Park
Listed below is information to help you get oriented and explore Mount
Rainier National Park. Explore the forests of Longmire and
Ohanapecosh, the alpine meadows of Paradise and Sunrise, or The
Mountain itself.
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The Mountain - Mount Rainier |
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There is over 240 miles of trails in Mt. Rainier National Park, and
most circle or approach Mount Rainier itself in some fashion. Hiking
up to the base of the glaciers, one progresses out of the lush forest
to subalpine wildflower meadows, and finally to fragile alpine hillsides.
Climbing the actual mountain is difficult, and not for everyone, with
most climbers taking two to three days to reach the summit. Climbers
must be well versed in glacier travel, and only roughly half of the
attempts are successful. For your first summit attempt, hook up with
a Mount Rainier Guide or Outfitter.
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South of The Mountain |
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Longmire
In the southwest corner of the park, Longmire served as the original
park headquarters. A museum highlights the early days of the park,
and a historic set of hotels and inns provide rustic northwest lodging
in this inland temperate rainforest. Some day hikes and sites around
Longmire include:
- Christine Falls - A very pretty waterfall,
exceeded only by its ongoing popularity. A short walk takes you to
the famous view of the falls below the original stone bridge.
- Ricksecker Point Road – 6 miles east of Longmire, this one-way
road features epic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys
and mountain ranges. Open during summer months only
- Rampart Ridge Trail – A 4.6 mile trail loop, with the trailhead
along the Trail of the Shadows near the National Park Inn. A steep
trail that passes through old-growth forests and offers incredible views.
Paradise
Famous for majestic alpine views and wildflower meadows, with over 600
inches of snow each year Paradise is a paradise for cross-country
skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter recreation. In addition to
exploring the historic Paradise Inn, some hiking options open during
the summer include:
- Nisqually Vista Trail – A 1.2 mile trail loop with excellent
views of the nearby Nisqually Glacier
- Bench & Snow Lakes – Some of the best sub-alpine wildflower
viewing can be had along this trail off Stevens Canyon Road.
Ohanapecosh
In the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park, Ohanapecosh is
drier than Longmire and Paradise. Here visitors can explore the
diversity of old-growth forests. Ohanapecosh is not plowed or
accessible in the winter.
- Grove of the Patriarchs – The highlight of Ohanapecosh, this
protected island of century old trees and pristine rivers is a must
stop.
- Silver Falls Trail - The Ohanapecosh River plunges 75 feet, and
can easily be reached along a 3 mile trail.
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Sunrise |
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The aptly named Sunrise is the highest point in the park accessible by
car, and its location on the east side of Mt. Rainier means that the
first orange light of each day illuminates the top of the mountain
well before the surrounding area.
Awe-inspiring views of Mt. Rainier and nearby glaciers can be found
nearby, and due to its proximity to the mountain, Sunrise is a great
departing point for a backcountry hike or weekend backpack trip.
- Glacier Basin Trail – Wildflower meadows, mountain goats, and
returning mountain climbers are just a few of the attractions leading
to a view of Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the lower 48
states.
- Sourdough Ridge Trail – For a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier
and the surrounding peaks extending to Mount Baker in the far north
part of Washington, this 1 mile loop can’t be beat.
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Carbon River and Mowich Lake |
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Not as accessible as the other corners of Mt. Rainier National Park,
the northwest corner is reachable by high clearance vehicles only, and
the road is prone to flooding. Those that make is are rewarded with
one of the most presine old-growth temperate rainforests in
Washington. Temperate rainforests rarely occur this far inland,
making this area unique in the world.
Mowich Lake is the largest lake in the park, and the Mowich Lake
Campground has numerous campsites to pitch a tent in the forest for a
night.
- Carbon River Rain Forest Nature Trail – This short trail is a
great way to start an exploration of the temperate rainforest.
- Carbon Glacier Trail – Although the glacier is not accessible –
and dangerous – this 7 mile hike leads through old-growth forest to
the base of Carbon Glacier.
- Tolmie Peak Trail – For those looking to bag a quick peak, this
6.5 miles hike takes you to the Tolmie fire lookout, and one of the
best east facing unbroken views of Mount Rainier.
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