The Majestic Mount Rainier

The term Pacific Northwest is used with reference to the geographical region between the Pacific Ocean in the west and Rocky Mountains on the east. Oregon and Washington states of the United States of America and British Columbia province of Canada form the core geographical areas of the region. Sometimes even Alaska and the northern mountainous regions of California are also included in this term.  The area has bountiful natural beauty with the Pacific Ocean on the one side and the coastal mountains, Cascade Range, Olympic Mountains, Columbia Mountains and the Rocky Mountain range on the other.  The Mount Rainier National Park in the Washington Cascades is one among the many tourist attractions in the area. Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada), Seattle (Washington state) and Portland (Oregon state) are the major cities in the Pacific Northwest. Water bodies, hills, wild life and rich vegetation have made the area attractive to visitors. Many man made monuments and attractions have enhanced tourist interest in the region.

Mount Rainier stands 14,410 feet (4392 meters) above sea level and dominates the southeastern skyline horizon from Seattle and surrounding areas on any clear day. Its snow clad peaks can be seen from several miles distance. The mountain was originally known as Mount Tacoma or Mount Tahoma and forms a part of the Cascade range. It is said that Tahoma meant "Mother of Waters", signifying the six major rivers in the area, that take their birth from the perennial melting glaciers on the mountains. Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy who surveyed the Pacific coast in 1792, named it as Mount Rainier after his friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. Both names were being used until the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park. Facilities for the visitors and tourists have been improving since then and Mount Rainier has become a important tourist destination for people visiting Pacific North West. 

Mount Rainier is in fact an active volcano and counted as one among the 16 worldwide active stratovolcanoes. That makes it one of the most dangerous volcanos in the world. In case of eruptions, the damage would be wide-spread. The ash eruption may affect areas up to Vancouver in the north to San Francisco in the south. Geologists have identified 26 major glaciers and 36 square miles of permanent snowfields that cover the peaks of the mountains. Two volcano crates of more than 1000 feet diameter are visible at the top of the mountains.  

Views of Mount Rainier varies from season to season. The green valleys below the mountains is a wonderful sight during the summer months. The all-white snow clad view in winter months has its own beauty. One can say that it is a matter of opinion, but the views during the months of August are a sight to behold. On a clear sunny day in August, the mountain offers a majestic view with lush green meadows in the foreground. 

One of the best views of the mountain is seen from a lake near Paradise visitors center. on a clear day with no winds blowing across, the reflected image of the mountain peaks can be seen in the still waters of the lake in the valley below. The lake is appropriately named as the "Reflection lake". The picture given alongside has captured this view beautifully. The area around the valleys is a popular destination for hikers and campers. Backcountry skiing, winter sports and rock climbing are the activities indulged in by adventure lovers. August month also offers great views of miles and miles of subalpine wildflower meadows. Waterfalls and small rivers and rivulets add to the beauty of the scenic spots and view points. Parking is a perennial problem, but the mere drive along the roads is itself a rewarding experience.  

The park can be visited from three different approach routes. Our visit yesterday was from the Seattle side. The 54 mile drive to the mountain had around 25 miles in the climbing road through the forest areas. It was a pleasant drive amidst wonderful scenery. The sunny day gave ample opportunities to see the majestic mountains as well as green meadows in the valleys, subalpine flowers, clear lakes and rivers and enabled enjoying the true grandeur of the Mount Rainier.

If you are anywhere around Pacific Northwest with a day to spare, Mount Rainier is the place to go!