Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park boasts towering glaciers, alpine meadows, and scenic hiking trails, making it a top destination for nature lovers in Washington State.
Dominated by the iconic Mount Rainier, this park is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and lush forests.
Location
Located in Washington state, about 60 miles southeast of Seattle.
Quick Facts
Size: 236,381 acres
Year Established: 1899
Unique Features: Mount Rainier, over 25 named glaciers, Paradise meadow
Mount Rainier National Park offers breathtaking mountain views, wildflower meadows, and endless hiking and climbing opportunities.
Mount Rainier National Park is home to the largest glacial system in the contiguous United States. The mountain itself boasts over 25 major glaciers, with the Emmons Glacier being the largest by surface area and the Carbon Glacier being the thickest and lowest-elevation glacier in the Lower 48. These glaciers play a crucial role in supplying fresh water to surrounding rivers and ecosystems. Due to climate change, many of these glaciers are shrinking, but they remain an essential feature of the park, offering breathtaking views and unique opportunities for mountaineering and scientific study.