Visit Rainier Blog

Dave Meadows, Animal Keeper at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park gives an insider tour of the wonders of his job and his reasons for loving life in the shadow of Mount Rainier. ...

Growing up in the shadow of Rainier - or 'Tahoma' as it is known in the Lushootseed language - Puyallup and Muckleshoot Tribal Member Jeffrey Thomas has spent much of his life reacquainting himself with his historical homelands and working to protect them. ...

Growing up in the shadow of Rainier - or 'Tahoma' as it is known in the Lushootseed language - Muckleshoot Tribal Member Jeffrey Thomas has spent much of his life reacquainting himself with his historical homelands and working to protect them. ...

The Old Mine Trail is perhaps one of the least known trails within the national park. Yet, this short path is easily accessible and can be explored year round. ...

Here we get to know Wildflower Ecologist Elli Theobald who has spent more than 6 years working with a team of scientists to catalog, map and better understand the more than 200 wildflower species found in Mount Rainier National Park.  ...

Follow the stories of people whose lives have been changed by The Mountain as we highlight colorful characters and personalities of Mt. Rainier. Find yourself at Mt. Rainier. Here, a wanderlust-filled traveler finds friends, beauty and love as he discovers the wonders of the Rainier ...

Follow the stories of people whose lives have been changed by The Mountain as we highlight colorful characters and personalities of Mt. Rainier. Here we focus on family. From the waters of the Puget Sound to the forests and vistas of 'The Mountain', the Rainier region offers the beauty ...

Hike along an old lava flow high above the Nisqually River Valley. While the way is mostly forested, there are a couple of decent views along the trail including a pretty awe-inspiring one of the mountain rising above the Kautz Creek valley.  ...

Follow the stories of people whose lives have been changed by The Mountain as we highlight colorful characters and personalities of Mt. Rainier. Here we get to get to know Chef Ky Loop of Kelly's Mercantile Restaurant in Enumclaw, WA.  ...

Hike through impressive stands of primeval forest to two subalpine lakes high above the White River Valley. The lakes are set in a meadow beneath the sawtooth multi-summited Governors Ridge—one of the most intriguing looking alpine landmarks within the park. ...

Hike up a narrow rugged valley scoured by avalanches and roaring with the sound of raging water. It’s a stiff little climb past three thundering cataracts before reaching one of the most spectacular and tallest waterfalls within the park.  ...

Hike along a roaring glacier-fed river to a stark rugged basin flanked by rock and ice and fed by a series of silver cascades. En route, traverse majestic stands of old-growth conifers and cross a series of tumbling creeks.  ...

Follow the stories of people whose lives have been changed by The Mountain as we highlight colorful characters and personalities of Mt. Rainier. Here we get to get to know Annie Kilby, National Park Service Education Ranger. ...

Follow a paved path to a little promontory in Paradise Park for some excellent panoramic viewing. While a tad steep in spots, this trail is ideal for neophyte hikers, visitors to Paradise short on time, and adventurers of all ages and walks of life. ...

Tucked in a cirque high above the Mather Memorial Parkway are a pair of sparkling subalpine lakes beloved by hikers of all ages and abilities. Hike to the Crystal Lakes in early season for a dazzling floral show.  ...

Hike this trail for solitude. Its breathtaking close-up views of the mountain and the Paradise Glacier are enticing too. There’s also a sparkling tarn along the way, and a slew of waterfalls to keep you mesmerized as well. ...

The old-growth forest along the way is magnificent and Lake George makes for a nice lunch spot; or if you’re inclined to spend the evening—a great camping spot. And the views? Breathtaking to the point that you just may need a little resuscitation! ...

The old-growth forest along the way is magnificent and Lake George makes for a nice lunch spot; or if you’re inclined to spend the evening—a great camping spot. And the views? Breathtaking to the point that you just may need a little resuscitation! ...

Most folks know Crystal Mountain as a topnotch ski resort. But ambitious hikers can enjoy this long broad multi-summited mountain, too. Follow an adventurous trail through forests, meadows, and across ski slopes to a ridgeline traverse of the lofty mountain. ...

Most folks know Crystal Mountain as a topnotch ski resort. But ambitious hikers can enjoy this long broad multi-summited mountain, too. Follow an adventurous trail through forests, meadows, and across ski slopes to a ridgeline traverse of the lofty mountain. ...

Cascade Huckleberries are deep blue and are found in sub-alpine coniferous woods and alpine meadows at elevations between 2,000-6,000 feet. They are extremely flavorful due to high concentrations of esters and ketones, and are usually ripe in August. ...

Hike to one of the four remaining fire lookouts in Mount Rainier National Park. Perched on an open 7,181-foot knoll on rocky Mount Fremont, this historic structure is the highest of the park’s lookouts.  ...

Part of the beauty of living in Washington State is enjoying its diverse geography. This was in mind when my preteen and I embarked on a six day, two-park tour to visit Olympic National Park and Mt. Rainier National Park to celebrate the Centennial of the Park Service.  ...

Hike to two little subalpine lakes tucked within the craggy and spired Tatoosh Range. One sits at the edge of a shelf offering breathtaking views of Mount Rainier—the other lies in a talus-strewn cirque beneath the highest point in the Tatoosh Range. ...

This fairly easy hike to two beautiful lakes in the heart of the William O Douglas Wilderness is perfect for adventurers young and old alike. Set on a pumiced plateau pockmarked with hundreds of small lakes and adorned with ancient cinder cone volcanoes, the Twin Lakes also make for ...

Head out on an easy two-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) relishing in sweeping views and dazzling wildflowers. Then take a break at a pretty little subalpine lake in a basin flush with meadows and wildlife. Soak your feet, go for a dip or take a nap.  ...