In every inspiring natural creation there is a realism that speaks to you. In every moment on a mountain you find it more and more. You discover yourself in ways not possible through other means. This stays with you and guides you for the rest of your life. May everyone have this chance at least once. ~ Dave
Mt. Rainier is the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest and the 700 mile long Cascade range spanning from Mt. Lassen in the south, all the way to southern British Columbia. On a clear day one has excellent views of Rainier towering east of the city and above all the nearby towns.
Mt. Rainier is the 5th highest peak and has the most snow and ice of any mountain in the lower 48 states. Higher up the mountain, Rainier is riddled with glaciers, crevasses, and ice seracs and as a result, it is one of the most photogenic of all the Cascade mountains.
Climbers come from all over come to test their skills and stamina on Rainier using the most common Ingraham Glacier and Disappointment Cleaver routes but also much more challenging traverses. Rainier is also used as a training ground for ambitious climbers training for more technically challenging climbs such as Denali in Alaska or Sagarmatha in Nepal.
Paradise visitor center is located next to the upper Paradise parking lot. A lower parking lot is available for those requiring longer term parking.
Mt. Rainier National Park is the nation’s 5th oldest, having been created in 1899.
Read on for more information about climbing Mt. Rainier…
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