The Mountain

For those of you that are not familiar with the Pacific Northwest, there is a range of volcanoes in the Cascade Mountain Range.  Mount Rainier is the highest volcano in the Cascades at 14,411 feet.  It is also located closest to a major metropolitan area (Seattle/Tacoma) and although quiet now, is not extinct. 

For over a century, Mount Rainier has been surrounded by a national park.  The park is easily accessible in the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest, with the busiest entrance in the Southwest.  There is access in the Northwest, however, it's the least visited and has lowest service levels. 

Mount Rainier has a special place in the hearts of Seattlites for it's a looming presence on the skyline.  It's a majestic symbol of clear weather.  "The mountain is out" is shorthand where we live for it's a clear day.  Although it's located about 80 miles southwest of Seattle, when visible, it is a huge presence in the skyline.  Most impressive to me, though, is that it's surrounded by 8,000 foot mountains and it looks as if it's coming out of the plain. 

The Wonderland Trail is the only way to circumnavigate the mountain within the confines of the national park.  I'll talk more about the trail tomorrow. 

More about the Cascade Volcanoes may be found at the US Geological Survey.
Mount Rainier National Park info may be found at the National Park Service.