Mount Rainier Sparking Creativity
It sounds dramatic, but my mouth dropped open the first time I saw Mount Rainier up close in the park. I had seen the mountain from a distance, but being there in person
was a completely different experience. If you’ve visited, I’m sure you understand. There’s a reason this place inspires so much creativity.
Mount Rainier has sparked songs, poems, paintings, and more. Photographers flock here to capture its landscapes in every season. With so many ecosystems and breathtaking views, it’s impossible not to feel inspired and changed.
Last year, while living in Enumclaw for my husband’s job, we visited the park in three seasons, at various times of day, and from every entrance. We hiked trails like the Skyline Loop and Tolmie Peak, spotting marmots, bubbling creeks, and dramatic waterfalls. Summer’s vibrant wildflowers gave way to autumn’s warm hues, always framed by the mountain. I remember looking up, feeling both mesmerized and a little terrified, realizing I was staring at an active volcano.
On our final visit, snow blanketed the park, and for the only time, the mountain stayed hidden behind the clouds. Each visit was awe-inspiring, and I left every trip filled with creative energy.
I always came away with a deeper appreciation for nature and a desire to create. Painting became my way to honor the enormous mountain before me. After our first visit, I created a watercolor inspired by one of our hikes. Later, I experimented with acrylics on canvas. These pieces weren’t profound, but making them felt meaningful—a small way to acknowledge the mountain’s beauty and power.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, Mount Rainier can spark creativity in you. Sketching, photography, journaling, or Plein Air painting (creating art outdoors) are just a few ways to connect with its inspiration.
Nature holds endless inspiration, and Mount Rainier is no exception. By slowing down, reconnecting with the rawness of nature, and letting creativity flow, you might experience something truly powerful. I hope this inspires you to explore Mount Rainier and awaken your own creativity!
Guest blog author and artist, Emily Janssen
My name is Emily, and I’m an artist and the owner of SwellPine Art. I travel full-time with my husband, and I love creating nature-inspired art and designs of all the places we get to experience. Nature is a constant source of inspiration to me!