Mount Rainier of Washington State. Travel Guide

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Mount Rainier

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in Washington Regions

Created: 24 September 2012

You just can’t miss Mount Rainier region! Mt. Rainier is the highest mountain in Washington and the fifth in other 48 states. It was known as Talol, Tacoma or Tahoma, meaning ‘mother of waters', but was named ‘Rainier' in honor of Rear Admiral Peter Rainier by Captain George Vancouver, who was the first European to discover the mountain.

Mt. Rainier is the central point of Mount Rainier National Park which is situated in the eastern half of Pierce County. The territory of the park is 953.5 square kilometers.

Every year more than 2 million tourists visit this national park. Here everyone will find something to do and to enjoy: hiking up the mountain, walking around the beautiful park, camping recreation or skiing in winter. There are more than 600 campsites and lodges in the park. Tourists can take a trip along mountain paths with total length of 480 km. The most visited place is situated on the southern slope and is called Paradise valley. It’s very gorgeous and worth of seeing.

Most visitors who want to enjoy the wild nature are not limited to usual paths of Mt. Rainier; they go deeper into the park. In winter there are not less tourists than in summer, because the nature itself has created the greatest opportunities for skiers.

It should be mentioned that the top of Mt. Rainier is covered by 26 glaciers; each of them has the name. With all the snow and ice they create a huge glacier system, which includes Glacier Carbon as well as Emmons Glacier. Glacier Nisqually is the easiest one to get to, over the past 45 years it increased by several times and then decreased again, melted showing the obvious climate changes. The impressive 149 km road that runs along the slopes of Mount Rainier is called Wonderland, and gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of the peaks and glaciers. Last time Rainier erupted in 1820-1854.

The Mount Rainier region offers wonderful opportunities all the year round, and they are not limited to hiking and skiing. Horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, steam train rides, a wildlife park and many other things to enjoy.

It’s worth noting that the highest point to which you can drive in all the Cascades Mountains is the Sunrise area, at an elevation of 6, 400 feet. This area offers stunning panoramic views of the region.

Another interesting place to visit is the Ohanapecosh area and its Grove of the Patriarchs, a stand of 1,000-year old trees.

To cut a long story short, Mount Rainier is situated about 90 km southwest of Seattle and it is easily accessible. Be sure to visit the park and to enjoy gorgeous views.