Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range and a prominent feature of the Seattle skyline. It is named after British explorer George Vancouver, who first sighted it in 1792.
The volcano’s crater is filled with glacial ice, making it an excellent place to view glaciers. The park also contains numerous old grown forests, which are home to some of the tallest trees in North America. Mount Rainier National Park was founded as a national monument in 1899.
Mount Rainier also offers some of the most challenging rock climbing routes. The mountain’s steepness and remoteness mean that it is not possible to climb Mount Rainier without a guide or trained mountaineering skills.
Mount Rainier is located at the southern end of the Cascade Range, and it stands 14,411 feet above sea level. The mountain is known for its diverse flora and fauna, which includes over 1,000 plant species and over 200 different kinds of mammals. On top of being a stunning natural wonder, Mount Rainier is also home to nearly 250 glaciers.
Mount Rainier is also a popular destination for climbers looking to challenge themselves on some of the most difficult rock climbs in America. Since Mount Rainier can be reached after an arduous hike from Seattle via Snoqualmie Pass or Stevens Pass (depending on your route), many climbers choose to take advantage of these routes when training for longer climbs elsewhere in Washington state or even beyond. The best time to climb Mount Rainier is from mid-May through mid-October. While it can be climbed year-round, it is typically much busier in the summer months because of the shorter winter days.
Weather is the most important factor in deciding when to climb Mount Rainier. The mountain’s climate is also very unpredictable, so you’ll want to check the weather report before you go. Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Everest, K2, Aconcagua, Lobuche, Island Peak and Everest base camp trek are some of the mountains to be climbed and trek at least once.