Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 236,381 acres centered around Mount Rainier, a 14,410-foot active volcano that dominates the landscape of Washington State. The mountain supports the largest glacier system in the contiguous United States with 26 major glaciers covering 35 square miles. Established in 1899 as the nation's fifth national park, it protects diverse ecosystems from ancient forests to alpine meadows renowned for spectacular wildflower displays. The park's ecosystems range from old-growth temperate rainforests at lower elevations to permanent snowfields and glaciers at high elevations. This diversity supports over 1,000 plant species, including massive Douglas firs, western red cedars, and subalpine wildflower meadows that bloom spectacularly in summer. Wildlife includes black bears, elk, mountain goats, and over 180 bird species, with the mountain serving as a critical wildlife corridor. Mount Rainier implements climate change monitoring programs tracking glacier retreat and ecosystem shifts. The park manages 1.7 million annual visitors through timed entry reservations and vehicle limits while protecting fragile meadows and wilderness areas. Research programs monitor volcanic activity, glacier dynamics, and species migration while restoration efforts focus on revegetating damaged areas and maintaining historic structures.

Water Features

26 glaciers, Glacial rivers, Waterfalls, Reflection lakes

Ecosystem

This destination features a mountain & alpine ecosystem.