Spotlight on Mt. Rainier: A Guide to Unique Places, Events & Activities
Discover unique places, events and activities in Mt. Rainier National Park Region.
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How to Read the Clouds Around Mt. Rainier
© Michael Fagin
by Michael FaginHere's an easy way to forecast the weather. Since weather systems and associated precipitation usually move in from the south and west, look south and if it is clear, it indicates dry weather for the next twenty-four hours. If we look south and west and we see high cirrus clouds moving in...
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White River 50 Mile Endurance Run
by Craig RomanoOne of the most challenging Ultra runs in the country, the White River 50 Mile is also one of the most scenic. Staged in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just outside of Mount Rainier National Park, the course includes deep old growth forest, resplendent alpine meadows, wild river banks, gut wrenching cliff sides, and plenty of stunning views of 14,411-foot glacier covered Mount Rainier.
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Rainier to Ruston Rail Trail Relay and Ultra
by Craig RomanoIt was ten years ago, avid runner and Foothills Rails-to-Trail Coalition board member John S. Selby came up with the idea of the Rainer to Ruston (R2R) Relay. And since its humble origin in 2003 when just a few of Selby's hardy friends attended, R2R has gained some serious steam attracting almost 750 participants in 2011, its 9th year.
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Sunrise Visitor Center Exhibits
© Mk Nelson
by Karen SykesTo get a feel for the thickness of a glacier - there is a chart where you can measure your height to see how many "yous" it would take to equal the thickness of the Emmons Glacier. At 5' 7" it would take a little more than 36 "Karens" to equal the glacier's present thickness. This display will especially appeal to the kids in the group.
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Dan Klennert's Ex-Nihilo Sculpture Park
© Karen Sykes
by Karen SykesWhen you first glimpse Dan Klennert's Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park on your way to Mount Rainier National Park, you might just brake to a stop. Peering over the fence you may wonder, "What IS this place?" In Latin "Ex-Nihilo" translates to "something created from nothing."
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Cross Country Skiing: the MTTA Trail System
© Ken Campbell
by Ken CampbellI am spending this night in the Copper Creek Hut, part of the Mount Tahoma Trails Association's collection of backcountry retreats. The word "hut" is a gentle misnomer to be sure, conjuring up stark images of substandard housing. These accommodations should in my opinion, be called a chalet...
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Fire Lookouts of Mount Rainier
© Janelle Walker
by Craig RomanoSoon after the first tower was constructed on Mount Rainier, both the park service and the forest service realized what many hikers know today-that some of the best and more reliable alpine views are not on the mountain itself, but on the surrounding lower ridges and knobs immune to near perpetual cloud cover...
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Rediscovering the Carbon River Road
© John Chao
by Ken CampbellMy goal for the day is the Carbon Glacier overlook, and the primary reason for the early start is that it's not as short a hike as it used to be. The trail from Ipsut Creek Campground to the glacier and back was once a 7-mile excursion; now that the road ends at the Park entrance...
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Wildlife Around Mount Rainier Start Preparations for Coming Winter
© Deby Dixon
by Russ MohneyThe first reason I wouldn't miss this late fall adventure is the frenzied activity of the birds, small animals and big wildlife. Each has a specific, pointed purpose in life that the winter signals into action...
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Climbing Mt. Rainier: Part III - D-Day
© RMI Guides
Climbing Mt. Rainier: Part II - Training Your Body and Mind
Climbing Mt. Rainier: Part I - A Resolution to Reach the Summit
by Ken CampbellIt begins with an idea: to stand on the top of the mountain. A simple idea, instantly understandable and visceral. A grand idea that grows and evolves over time, resolve strengthening as it turns into a plan and then, almost imperceptibly, it becomes inevitable...
