Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in the
state. It has fantastic areas to explore. The Mountain is a
popular challenge for people wishing to scale the peak. The park
also has 240 miles of trails and is a super place to visit.
Established in 1899. 235,625 acres (97% is designated
Wilderness). Includes Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcano
encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. The park
contains outstanding examples of old growth forests and
subalpine meadows. Mount Rainier National Park offers excellent
opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and mountain climbing.
Most roads are open from late May to early October--all provide
stunning views and access to a variety of hiking trails and
other sites. Lots of campgrounds, great drives through the area
and plenty of places to stay the night. You can stay at the
Lodges in the park or just outside in one of the entrance towns.
It will be crowded on the weekends, so be prepared. Entering
from the Southwest Nisqually entrance, it is a great drive up to
Paradise. You will pass Sunshine Point(camping,picnic) and then
Kautz Creek Trailhead. Very nice trail up towards Mount
Ararat(6010') and Indian Henrys Hunting Ground(Views are great).
As you continue up the Main road you will reach
Longmire(lodging, museum, Info Center and dining). There is a
short Trail of the Shadows as well as Rampart Ridge
trailhead(good trail). After Longmire you drive on to Cougar
Rock campground. Continue higher up to Christine Falls and on up
to Paradise. Paradise is the main visitors area with many short
trails through meadows right at the base of the
Mountain.(Visitor center, lodging, dining) Past Paradise you
will find the road continue through the park towards Sunrise in
the Northeast section of the park. Past forest, meadows, lakes,
and streams. Box Canyon is a nice hike. You pass Cougar Falls
and head south around Backbone Ridge, then back north through
the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Grove of the Patriarchs trail is a
great hike through some old growth forest. Heading north the
road goes past the Shriner Peak Lookout trailhead. Up to Cayuse
pass and down to the White River Entrance. White River has
camping and some good trails to explore. If you continue on to
the Sunrise visitor center you will find some outstanding views
and quite a few trails to sample. At less then 2 hours drive
from Seattle it makes a perfect getaway. With great hiking
trails to explore. For additional Mount Rainier hiking
information click here
About the author:
M. Johnson publishes the www.washington-hi
king-advisor.com 300 pages of Washington state hiking
information.
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