Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is located in the central part of the state of Washington, United States. The park is seated just southeast of Seattle and can be seen from the city on a clear day. The park covers an area of 369.3 square miles (956.6 sq km).

This was the fifth national park established in the United States with Mount Rainier serving as the pinnacle attraction of the park.  This renowned mountain is so astounding because of the steep rise in elevation.  Varying views of Mount Rainier reveal this vertical rise and often leaves people mesmerized.

The lower elevation of the national park starts at 1,600 feet (490 m) and rises dramatically to the summit of Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet (4,392 m).  The area around Mount Rainier is comprised of valleys, forests, meadows, glaciers, rivers, and waterfalls.  These facets of nature creating exquisite landscapes with Mount Rainier serving as the backdrop.

There are over 25 glaciers found on the mountain creating the most populous collective of glaciers in the contiguous 48 states.  Emmons Glacier covers the most area at 4.3 square miles (11 sq km) whereas Carbon Glacier is the largest based on volume.

Carbon Glacier terminal point occurs at 3,500 feet (1,100 m) establishing it as the lowest elevation glacier in the lower 48 states and Emmons is the largest covered area in the lower 48 states.  These add to the aesthetics and statistical significance of the national park.

The pristine wilderness of Mount Rainier National Park serves as the home for an array of wildlife species that make for exciting animal sightings.  Some of the more popular species include beaver, black bear, bobcat, cougar, coyote, deer, elk, and mountain goat. 

This national park is also a great place for birdwatching as well.  The golden eagle and bald eagle are two of the prized sightings that complement the owls, jays, falcons, and other bird species found within the park’s boundaries.