Mount Rainier supports a rich diversity of wildlife, with over 65 mammal species and 182 bird species documented. Large mammals include black bears, Roosevelt elk, mountain goats, and Columbia black-tailed deer. The park also harbors smaller mammals like marmots, pikas, and various squirrel species. Notable bird species include Clark's nutcracker, gray jay, and sooty grouse. The park's numerous streams support several species of salmon and trout. Many of these animals exhibit seasonal behavioral patterns, with some species migrating to lower elevations during winter months while others, like marmots, enter hibernation.
The park's vegetation varies dramatically with elevation, creating distinct life zones. Lower elevations feature old-growth forests dominated by Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. The subalpine parklands, around 5,000-7,000 feet, showcase spectacular wildflower meadows, particularly at Paradise and Sunrise, featuring species like lupine, paintbrush, avalanche lily, and mountain heather. Above 7,000 feet, the alpine zone supports hardy plants adapted to extreme conditions, including cushion plants and lichens. The park is home to over 900 vascular plant species, representing one of the most diverse collections of subalpine and alpine plants in North America.
Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano that stands 14,411 feet (4,392 meters) tall, making it the highest peak in the Cascade Range. The mountain was formed through successive layers of lava flows, ash, and debris from volcanic activity over the past 500,000 years. Its current shape has been sculpted by massive glaciers, with 26 major glaciers still present today, covering approximately 35 square miles of the mountain's surface. The volcano's last major eruption occurred around 1,000 years ago, though it remains active and is closely monitored for volcanic activity. The mountain's geology features numerous volcanic features including lava flows, volcanic ash layers, and glacial moraines.
Mount Rainier National Park was established in 1899, becoming America's fifth national park. Native Americans, including the Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Muckleshoot, Yakama, and Cowlitz tribes, have considered the mountain sacred for thousands of years, calling it 'Tahoma' or 'Tacoma.' The first documented summit of the mountain was achieved by Hazard Stevens and P.B. Van Trump in 1870. The park's development in the early 20th century included the construction of the iconic Paradise Inn in 1916 and the establishment of numerous hiking trails and facilities, making it one of the nation's premier destinations for mountaineering, hiking, and nature appreciation.
The park's most prominent features include the iconic Paradise area, famous for its wildflower meadows and historic Paradise Inn; Sunrise, the highest point accessible by vehicle offering spectacular views; and the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile loop circumnavigating the mountain. Other significant attractions include Christine Falls, Narada Falls, Grove of the Patriarchs featuring ancient old-growth trees, and Reflection Lakes providing mirror-like views of Mount Rainier. The park also contains numerous subalpine meadows, including the popular Spray Park and Berkeley Park, and features historic fire lookouts like Fremont Lookout and Mount Fremont. The Carbon Glacier, the lowest-elevation glacier in the contiguous United States, and the Nisqually Glacier are also notable features within the park.
Mount Rainier National Park experiences dramatic seasonal variations, with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. The park receives abundant precipitation, averaging 126 inches annually at Paradise, with most falling as snow between November and May. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and 40-50°F (4-10°C) at night. Winter temperatures generally hover between 20-35°F (-7-2°C). Weather conditions can change rapidly due to the mountain's influence, and visitors should be prepared for sudden shifts in weather patterns, including unexpected storms and temperature drops even during summer months.
USA
46.8800°, -121.7270°
March 2, 1899
956.6
Mount Rainier National Park is centered around Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano reaching 14,411 feet. The mountain is covered by 26 major glaciers and is surrounded by old-growth forest and subalpine meadows. The park offers extensive hiking trails, climbing routes, and opportunities to view diverse wildlife.