Mount Rainier, Seattle

Mount Rainier towers over Seattle even though it is over 50 miles away. At 14,411 feet this mountain is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. Mount Rainier is classified as a stratovolcano.

Mount Rainer is home of Mount Rainier National Park. At this majestic park, one can explore both rainforests and glaciers. Abundant hiking trails traverse the park. Many campsites are available.

For those who enjoy hiking and have extra time in the area, a trip to Mount Rainier is well worth the effort. However, it is a good idea to be prepared for rain when visiting the park.

Mount Rainier is a very very tall dormant volcano, high above the forest. It is the largest mountain of the Cascade range, and it is more glaciated than any other peak in the contiguous United States. Five glaciers originate on the summit, and there are many others that have developed in cirques on the mountain's slopes. The Emmons Glacier is the largest glacier in the contiguous United States, flowing six miles from the summit down the northeast slopes.

There is just a little bit about the mountain. I provided a web site address where there is more information on the mountain.

I didn't actually have time to go to the mountain on my visit and chose Mt. St. Helen's because I hadn't seen a valcano before but next time I would venture out there if its a nice day. The darn thing is so high you want to see it all.

In the picture you can see a white building from the Smith Tower. If it wasn't so cloudy I would have gotten a perfect distanced view of the mountain. So if you are stuck in Seattle you can still see this great mountain.

Grayline tours offers an all day trip out to the mountain and with my Go Seattle Card it would have been free. This area would be great to explore on a tour but I think after doing Mt. St. Helen's it would be nicer to really take a couple of days and enjoy the surrounding area and lakes with some activities. It's just a great environment to relax in and an enjoy. I hope you have fun. If you make it there let me know how it was!

Mount Rainier is one place you won't want to miss if you're a sightseer or hiker. This beautiful mountain can be seen from Seattle and can be reached in only an hours time.

Enjoy the hiking and nature trails once you're there, as well as the beautiful views!!
You can find more pictures, driving direction, entrance fees, camping information, lodge info, etc. all at http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

Mt. Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful spots in Washington State. The mountain is visible from Seattle on clear days, but the view is much better from the park! Mt. Rainier is actually a volcano, and it is covered with glaciers year-round. At 14,410 feet, it's the highest peak in Washington state.

There are several points of interest in the Mt. Rainier National Park. My two favorite spots are the aptly named Paradise and Sunrise. Both of these beautiful spots are closed in the height of winter, so make sure to double check the Rainier website before heading that way to see if the roads are open. Go between May-September to see the best of the wildflowers and meadows.

The Mt.Rainier National Park at about a 2 hours drive thru scenic landscape from Seattle .....there are plenty of trails around and well the 1 week pass that you get at the gate can prove to be a time restriction once you really get around the place......

I think perhaps the Olympic Penninsula and Mt. Rainier might be off the beaten path. Well, ok, maybe the destination itself is frequented, but do some hiking in these locations... I KNOW that is off the beaten path for many many Americans, sadly. Anyway, these are both within 2 hours of Seattle, and well worth the excursion out of the city.

Mount Rainer is very close to Seattle. If you like mountain scenery like me and have enough time, take a drive to the nearby national park and take in some beautiful scenery and breathe some crisp clean air. There were several rest stops within the park, and alot of wildlife to see.