Have you ever driven to the peak of a mountain? Read what one Trip Advisor reviewer had to say about his experience to Mount Rainier:
“Once you drive to the furthest height of the mountain you can, you really feel like you are on top of the world! It is one of the most majestic feelings I’ve experienced in my life. There are thousand foot mountain peaks around you that are amazing as their own mountains, but pale in comparison to Mount Rainier. This place is wonderful!”
Still not convinced? Our Drive the Nation team has compiled 5 Compelling Reasons to Visit Mount Rainier:
-
It’s an Active Volcano
An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. In fact, it is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world (and it is on the Decade Volcano list.) Due to its large amount of glacial ice, Mount Rainier could also potentially produce massive lahars, the destructive mudflow on the slopes of a volcano, which could threaten the entire Puyallup River valley. Your third grade self would be jealous that you were never able to use this as an educational science experiment.
-
It’s Huge
Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the highest mountain of the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest and the highest mountain in the state of Washington. Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 236,381.49 acres on the west-side of the Cascade Range, and is located about 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. The mountain is so huge, in fact, that it’s visible from Seattle.
-
It’s The Right Time To Go
Open all year, Mount Rainier has something for everyone. From mid-July to late October all the lodges are open, hiking is free, and the meadows are overflowing with wildflowers. The park offers excellent opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and mountain climbing. Most roads are open from May to early October—and all provide stunning views and access to hiking trails and other sites.
-
There’s Plenty to Do
Hiking, fishing, boating, bicycling and camping are just a few of the countless activities available in the area. Mount Rainier National Park is approximately 97 percent wilderness and 3 percent National Historic Landmark District, receiving more than 2 million visitors per year, according to the National Park Service. The park contains 25 named glaciers across 9 major watersheds. It is home to 382 lakes, 470 streams and more than 3,000 acres of wetland.
-
It’s a 5-Star Trip
Mount Rainier has consistently ranked #1 on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp, earning 5-star reviews from tourists who have experienced the area firsthand. Take a break from traffic jams, phone calls and the constant barrage of e-mails for a bit. Instead, take some time to rest and rejuvenate “unplugged” at one the many lodging options available in the area. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Mount Rainier will surely accommodate. Located just southeast of the Seattle, it’s convenient as an on-the-way stop or a final destination.
Have you visited Mount Rainier? We would love to hear about your trip. Share your story in the comments below!
