Mount Rainier National Park

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Mount Rainier National Park is a United States National Park located in the American state of Washington, some 54 miles (87 km) south-east of Seattle. Established in 1899 and 368 milesē / 235,625 acres (954 kmē) in size, the National Park is centered on the spectacular cone of Mount Rainier, an active volcano some 14,410 ft high.

mount rainier national park Travel Guide : 1 Understand 1.1 History 1.2 Landscape 1.3 Flora and fauna 1.4 Climate 2 Get in 3 Fees/Permits 4 Get around 5 See 6 Do 6.1 Hiking 6.1.1 Northwest Area Trails 6.1.2 Northeast Area Trails 6.1.3 Southwest Area Trails 6.1.4 Southeast Area Trails 6.1.5 Other Trails 6.2 Mountaineering 7 Buy 8 Eat 9 Drink 10 Sleep 10.1 Lodging 10.2 Camping 10.3 Backcountry 11 Stay safe 12 Get out 13 External links

Understand

History

The park was established as America's fifth national park in 1899 (following Yellowstone in 1872 and Yosemite, Sequoia, and General Grant National Parks in 1890). The founding of Mount Rainier National Park was led by both local groups, including mountaineering clubs, newspaper ors, businessmen's associations, and University of Washington faculty, as well as by scientists throughout the country, primarily geologists.

It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1997 as a showcase for the "NPS Rustic" style architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.

Landscape

Mount Rainier, at 14,410 feet tall, is the highest and most prominent peak in the Cascade Range. The mountain stands nearly three miles higher than the lowlands to the west and one and one-half miles higher than the adjacent mountains. The volcano, which last erupted approximately 150 years ago, is encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. The park's total area is 235,625 acres, of which 97% is designated Wilderness. In addition to the mountain, the park contains outstanding examples of old growth forests and subalpine meadows. The park contains 26 named glaciers across 9 major watersheds, with 382 lakes and 470 rivers and streams and over 3,000 acres of other wetland types.

Flora and fauna

The park is part of a complex ecosystem. Vegetation is diverse, reflecting the varied climatic and environmental conditions encountered across the park?s 12,800-feet elevation gradient. Approximately 58 percent of the park is forested, 23 percent is subalpine parkland, and the remainder is alpine, half of which is vegetated and the other half consists of permanent snow and ice. Forest ages range from less than 100 years old on burned areas and moraines left by receding glaciers to old-growth stands 1,000 or more years. Some alpine heather communities have persisted in the park for up to 10,000 years.

Species known or thought to occur in the park include more than 800 vascular plants, 159 birds, 63 mammals, 16 amphibians, 5 reptiles, and 18 native fishes. Commonly seen animals include Columbian black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, noisy Stellar?s jays and common ravens. Other animals that are less-commonly seen but still popular include mammals like elk and black bear, which range in many habitats throughout the summer. Mountain goats typically remain in alpine or subalpine life zones.

Climate

Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, elevation, and latitude. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is possible any day, and very likely in spring, fall, and winter.

As one of the snowiest places on Earth, Paradise is worthy of a winter visit. From November to late May, expect to find 10 to 20 feet of snow on the ground. Approximately 630" of snow falls in an average winter at Paradise--in the winter of 1971-72, Paradise established a world's record with 1122" of snow!

Get in

Access to Mount Ranier is by car or bus only. Most visitors come on sunny summer weekends and holidays. Parking can be problematic during summer weekends, so if possible try to visit mid-week. The park is open year-round, but access is limited in winter. Facilities at Longmire are open daily year-round. Facilities at Paradise and Ohanapecosh are open daily from late-May to mid-October. Facilities at Sunrise are open July to early-October. In winter, access is by the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park only. The Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise is open weekends and holidays in winter.

Fees/Permits

Mount Rainier National Park charges an entrance fee of $10 per week per private vehicle (includes all passengers) or $5 per week per individual person on foot, bike, or motorcycle. An annual pass is available for $30, valid for one year from month of purchase (does not cover camping fees). Alternately, for those who will be visiting multiple parks, the $50 National Park Pass allows free entrance into all national parks for one year.

Get around

See

• Longmire (southwest corner).
• Paradise (south side). The park's most popular destination, Paradise is filled with wildflowers during the summer and hosts record snowfalls in winter. Hiking trails lead through meadows and up onto the mountain's snowfields, making this a great place for dayhikers.
• Ohanapecosh (southeast corner).
• Sunrise/White River (east side). At 6400' Sunrise is the highest park elevation accessible by car. The trails and beautiful mountain views make this area the second most visited destination in the park.
• Carbon River/Mowich Lake (northwest corner). Accessible only on dirt roads that may require high-clearance and are prone to flooding, the Carbon River area offers access to Carbon Glacier via a short 3.6 mile (one-way) trail, while Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in the park.

Do

Hiking

Northwest Area Trails

• Carbon Glacier Trail (7 miles). This trail gains 1100 feet of elevation as it leads from the Ipsut Creek campground along the Carbon river and up to the Carbon Glacier.
• Carbon River Rain Forest (0.3 mile). Located near the Carbon River park entrance, this easy day hike explores a unique rain forest environment.
• Chenuis Falls Trail (0.4 miles). This short trail crosses the Carbon River to a small waterfall. The trailhead is located 3.5 miles east of the Carbon River Ranger Station.
• Green Lake Trail (3.6 miles). Passing through an old-growth forest on its way to Green Lake, the trailhead for this trail is located three miles east of the Carbon River Ranger Station.
• Lake James Trail (17 miles). Starting from the Ipsut Creek Campground, this trail climbs 3450 feet through switchbacks and then through a dry, open forest before reaching subalpine meadows and eventually the boulder-strewn meadows of Windy Gap. Beyond Windy Gap the trail descends to Lake James. Look for mountain goats near Windy Gap.
• Moraine Park Trail (11 miles). This trail gains 3300 feet of elevation as it leads from the Ipsut Creek campground along the Carbon river, past the Carbon Glacier, and up to a flower-filled meadow. The las two miles of this trail lead up steep switchbacks.
• Mystic Lake Trail (15.8 miles). Starting from the Ipsut Creek Campground this trail gains 3900 feet as it crosses the Carbon River, parallels the Carbon Glacier, and then passes through Morraine Park. After passing over two ridges the trail descends to Mystic Lake.
• Northern Loop Trail (35 miles). Starting from the Ipsut Creek Campground, this multi-day trek passes through the most pristine wilderness in the park, visits a natural bridge, passes the Carbon Glacier, and leads along numerous mountain lakes. Total elevation gain along the route is 8500 feet.
• Spray Park Trail (6 miles). Beginning from the Mowich Lake campground this trail leads to a waterfall and the meadows of Spray Park, as well as views of Mowich Glacier. Total elevation gain is 1300 feet.
• Tolmie Peak Trail (6.5 miles). Located 17 miles down the dusty Mowich Lake Road, this trail ascends 1010 feet to Eunice Lake and the beautiful views and meadows of Tolmie Peak.
• Windy Gap Trail (14 miles). Starting from the Ipsut Creek Campground, this trail climbs 3450 feet through switchbacks and then through a dry, open forest before reaching subalpine meadows and eventually the boulder-strewn meadows of Windy Gap. Look for mountain goats near Windy Gap.

Northeast Area Trails

• Burroughs Mountain Trail (7 miles). Starting from the Sunrise parking area, this trail ascends 900 feet past Shadow Lake and up to an overlook of the White River and Emmons Glacier before reaching a plateau at near Burroughs Mountain.
• Crystal Lakes Trail (6 miles). The trail to the Crystal Lakes starts along SR 410, four miles north of Cayuse Pass. The trail ascends 2300 feet through a forest, with excellent views of Mount Ranier before nearing Crystal mountain. Lower Crystal Lake is the smaller of the two lakes, with Upper Crystal Lake lying in a basin 0.5 miles further along the trail.
• Glacier Basin Trail (7 miles). From the White River Campground this trail climbs 1280 feet along an old mining road. Glacier Basin is a good place to look for mountain goats on the slopes.
• Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail (5.5 miles). This trail starts at Sunrise, passes Frozen Lake, and extends through meadows and rocky crags for a total elevation gain of 1200 feet.
• Naches Peak Loop Trail (3.5 miles). An easy loop that gains 500 feet and is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The trailhead is at Tipsoo Lake, 0.5 miles west of Chinook Pass on SR 410. The trail offers amazing views of the mountain and passes through beautiful subalpine meadows.
• Owyhigh Lakes Trail (7 miles). The trailhead for this trail lies two miles from the White River entrance. The trail climbs 1350 feet through forests and meadows before reaching a series of secluded lakes. Be aware that this is one of the park's few trails that does not offer any views of Mount Ranier.
• Pacific Crest Trail (10.5 miles). The Pacific Crest trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, but the portion within the park lies along the eastern boundary and offers beautiful views as the trail rises and falls over 1000 feet of elevation change. The trail can be accessed at Chinook Pass where it crosses SR 410 or from the Tipsoo Lake Loop Trail.
• Palisades Lakes Trail (7 miles). From the trailhead at Sunrise this trail ascends 1200 feet past several lakes and meadows. Although the trail has no views of the mountain, hikers often see elk, marmots and pikas along the way. The spur trail to Hidden Lake is worth taking for the beautiful scenery around the secluded lake.
• Shadow Lake Trail (3 miles). One of the many easy trails in the Sunrise area, this trail descends to Shadow lake and intersects with numerous other trails, making for interesting day-hike possibilities.
• Sourdough Ridge Trail (1 mile). An easy trail with guided markers along the way, this short trail in the Sunrise area is a good option for families.
• Summerland Trail (8.5 miles). From the trailhead three miles from the White River entrance this trail ascends 1500 feet. Starting in forest, it rises to the open but brushy upper valley of Fryingpan Creek where hikers find good views of Mount Rainier. Shortly after crossing the creek at a small cascade, the trail climbs steeply for another 0.5 mile before reaching the open subalpine meadows of Summerland. This is one of Mount Rainier's most crowded trails, hosting several hundred hikers per day on a nice summer weekend, so be aware that parking can be a problem. Mountain goats and elk are frequently sighted along this trail.

Southwest Area Trails

• Bench Lake Trail (2.5 miles).
• Camp Muir Trail (9 miles).
• Comet Falls Trail (3.8 miles).
• Eagle Peak Trail (7.2 miles).
• Emerald Ridge Trail (17.2 miles).
• Gobblers Knob Trail (12.8 miles).
• Golden Lakes Trail (34.5 miles).
• Indian Henrys Hunting Ground (via Kautz Creek - 11.5 miles).
• Indian Henrys Hunting Ground (from Longmire - 13 miles).
• Klapatche Park Trail (21 miles).
• Lake George Trail (9.8 miles).
• Narada Falls Trail (9 miles).
• Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 miles).
• Pinnacle Peak Trail (2.5 miles).
• Rampart Ridge Trail (4.6 miles).
• Skyline Trail (5 miles).
• Snow Lake Trail (2.5 miles).
• Trail of the Shadows (0.5 mile).
• Van Trump Park Trail (5.8 miles)

Southeast Area Trails

• Grove of the Patriarchs (1.5 miles).
• Indian Bar Trail (14.5 miles).
• Life Systems Trail (0.5 mile).
• Shriner Peak Trail (8 miles).
• Silver Falls Trail (3 miles).
• Three Lakes Trail (12 miles).

Other Trails

• Wonderland Trail (93 miles). The Wonderland Trail is a multi-day trek that encircles the mountain and provides views so amazing that the trail is frequently voted among the best trails in the world by backpacking magazines. Permits are required for overnight use along the trail, and hikers should be in good shape and have backpacking experience before attempting this trail. Food may be cached along the trail; see http://www.nps.gov/mora/trail/wonder.htm for details. Portions of the trail can also be done as day-hikes for the less adventurous.

Mountaineering

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Lodging

There are two inns located within the park. Reservations are recommended.

• National Park Inn, Ph: (360) 569-2275, 1 (http://www.guestservices.com/rainier). This lodge, open year-round, is located in the Longmire Historic District in the southwest corner of the park. 25 guest rooms, full service restaurant, gift shop, post office. Rates are $98 for a room without a bath, and $132 for a room with a bath.
• Paradise Inn, Ph: (360) 569-2275, 2 (http://www.guestservices.com/rainier). Open from late May to early October, this inn was built and 1917 and is located at Paradise. The inn offers 117 guest rooms, full service restaurant, snack bar, lounge, gift shop, post office. Rates are $92 per night for a room without a bath, and $137 for a room with a bath.

Camping

There are six developed campgrounds located within the park. Reservations are strongly recommended during the summer.

• Cougar Rock (Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day). Located in the southwest corner of the park 2.3 miles northeast of Longmire. Offers 173 individual sites (tent and RV) and five group sites. Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, dump station, and amphitheater. Reservations can be made at http://reservations.nps.gov/ or by calling 1-800-365-2267 (1-301-722-1257 international). $15 per night from late June through Labor Day, $12 per night for the remainder of the season.
• Ipsut Creek (Year-round, depending on snow conditions). A rustic campground located in the northwest corner of the park five miles east of the Carbon River Entrance. Offers 28 individual sites (tent and RV) and two group sites. Amenities include pit toilets, but there is no drinking water. $8 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. The road is subject to flooding and is open to high clearance vehicles only - check status at a ranger station prior to visiting.
• Mowich Lake (late June through early October weather permitting). A primitive campground located in the northwest corner of the park, at the end of SR 165 (unpaved road). Offers 30 walk-in sites (tents only). Amenities include pit toilets, but there is no drinking water. No fees are charged.
• Ohanapecosh (Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day). Located in the southeast corner of the park, 11 miles northeast of Packwood on SR 123. Offers 188 individual sites (tent and RV) and one group site. Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, dump station, and amphitheater. Reservations can e made at http://reservations.nps.gov/ or by calling 1-800-365-2267 (1-301-722-1257 international). $15 per night from late June through Labor Day, $12 per night for the remainder of the season.
• Sunshine Point (Year-round). Located in the southwest corner of the park, 0.25 mile east of the Nisqually Entrance. Offers 18 individual sites (tent and RV). Amenities include drinking water and pit toilets. Fees are $10 per site.
• White River (early July through late September). Located on the east side of the park, five miles west of the White River Entrance. Offers 112 sites (tent and RV). Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, and a small amphitheater. Fees are $10 per night.

Backcountry

60% of backcountry permits can be reserved, while 40% are available only in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits can be picked up at the Wilderness Information Centers at Longmire and White River, or at any ranger station during the summer. Winter permits are available at the Longmire Museum. There is no fee for a wilderness permit, but a reservation fee of $20 per party is charged. Permits may be obtained for groups of one to twelve people for up to fourteen days.

Backcountry camping areas within the park include:

• Trailside camps. Primitive campgrounds with one to eight sites.
• Cross-country camps. True wilderness in which "leave no trace" camping should be practiced.
• Alpine camps. Zones reserved for mountaineers, also "leave no trace" camping areas.

Permits may be reserved beginning March 15 by mail or fax. To make a reservation, download and fill out the reservation form from http://www.nps.gov/mora/recreation/rsvpform1.htm and fax it to (360) 569-3131, or mail it to:

Longmire Wilderness Information Center

Mount Rainier National Park

Tahoma Woods, Star Route

Ashford, WA 98304

Stay safe

Get out

External links

• Mount Rainier National Park (http://www.nps.gov/mora/) - US National Parks Service web site
• Wikipedia: Mount Rainier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier) - Wikipedia article on the volcano