Rising 14,410 feet above the forests of Washington, Mount Rainier dominates the skyline as both a geological giant and a symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s wild beauty. This active stratovolcano, crowned in glaciers and snowfields, is the centerpiece of Mount Rainier National Park: a landscape where alpine meadows burst with wildflowers, waterfalls tumble through mossy ravines, and ancient forests whisper beneath towering firs and cedars. On clear days, Rainier’s peak reflects the sun like a beacon; on cloudy ones, it disappears into mist, reminding visitors of nature’s ever-changing moods.
Mount Rainier National Park is a land of dramatic contrasts. Subalpine meadows like Paradise and Sunrise explode with color each summer, while glaciers carve deep valleys that feed rivers flowing to the sea. More than 260 miles of trails wind through forests and ridges, offering glimpses of marmots, elk, and the occasional black bear. Climbers from around the world test their skill on the mountain’s icy slopes, while countless others come simply to stand in quiet awe at its base. Rainier’s beauty lies not just in its scale, but in the harmony of all the life it sustains.
Conservation at Mount Rainier focuses on protecting the park’s fragile alpine ecosystems and monitoring the effects of climate change on its glaciers and wildlife. Glacial retreat, forest fires, and shifting habitats all pose challenges to this delicate balance. The National Park Service works alongside scientists, Indigenous communities, and conservation partners to restore meadows, manage visitor impact, and safeguard the mountain’s ecosystems. Visitors play a vital role in this stewardship m by treading lightly, leaving no trace, and embracing the sense of wonder that Mount Rainier inspires. It stands as both a force of nature and a living symbol of endurance, beauty, and renewal.
Our Experience
As we hiked Mt Rainier’s base, we couldn’t help but connect with John Muir’s words etched on the steps we climbed, “the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings.” Continuing through the hike, we had our first close encounter with a marmot and also saw a mountain goat, at a distance. Seeing the mountain goat at a distance made us aware of the challenges of wildlife photography. This was the inciting incident that pushed us to look into a better lense as we really wanted to share our view but couldn’t capture it! Lastly, one of our favorite parts was the interestingly colored water that ran through the park. It's a cloudy grey from ancient volcanic runoff that looks like glacier flavored gatorade. Very unique and special experience!