Mount Rainier is an active volcano currently at rest between eruptions. Capped by snow and 25 glaciers, it has been built up by untold eruptions over the last half a million years. It last erupted in 1894-5, when small eruptions at the summit were witnessed in Tacoma and Seattle.

 

Mount Rainier National Park is the oldest of the four national parks in Washington, and was the fifth national park in the USA parks system being designated in 1899. While young in geological terms, at an estimated 600,000 years old, Mount Rainier stands at 14,411 feet tall and is the tallest volcano in the lower 48 states.

We'll spend the day exploring, hiking/snowshoeing, discovering the history and ecology of this beautiful park; understanding answers to the following questions:

 

- Forces that have created Mt Rainier and volcanos up and down the Cascade Mountains over the past 40 million years

 

- Why Mount Rainier is considered as one of the most dangerous volcanos on the planet by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI)

 

- Causes of Volcanic Mudflows (Lahars) and Glacial outburst floods, how they have changed the landscape and evidence of past events

 

- How legendary Northwest Geologist Rocky Crandell pieced together the history of the Puget Sound lowlands

 

- The Osceola mudflow and it's modern-day implications for towns in the shadow of the mountain

 

- The fragile sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems supported on Mount Rainier’s slopes

 

- Climate and ecology changes as we travel from sea-level through ancient forests to sub-alpine and alpine meadows

 

Our trip may visit the following:

 

• The glorious meadows at Paradise, with stunning panoramic views, and the visitor center. We’ll take a short hike or snowshoe to appreciate the beauty of the mountain. In high summer, this area is famous for the ethereal beauty of blooming wildflower meadows.

• Stevens canyon road – this spectacular mountain pass is open in summer and provides panoramic views of Stevens canyon and creek

• Reflection lakes – glimpse the reflection of the mountain in these beautiful alpine lakes

• Inspiration point – spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range

• Narada falls – this waterfall is a short walk off the highway and offers great sightseeing and photo opportunities

• The Nisqually river basin – this glacier fed river has been the site of multiple floods last century, frequently destroying bridges over the river. Learn about these destructive floods on a short hike

• The glorious meadows at Paradise, with stunning panoramic views, and the visitor center. We’ll take a short hike or snowshoe to appreciate the beauty of the mountain. In high summer, this area is famous for the ethereal beauty of blooming wildflower meadows.

• Sunrise point – the perfect place to tell the story of dramatic events in Mount Rainier's history, and the highest point in the park accessible by vehicle. Sunrise point is open briefly June – October and offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier, plenty of opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing, and walks amongst summer wildflowers. On clear days it is possible to see the Olympic Mountains, and as far north as Mt Baker near the Canadian border.

 

Sunrise point normally opens Mid-July and we will then continue around the mountain. Outside of these times, we'll go to Paradise first and the tour will operate bottom > top as listed above.

 

What’s included

• Downtown Seattle pickup and drop-off at your hotel

• Transportation in our modern, comfortable 14-passenger wagon equipped with over the shoulder seatbelts and passenger side curtain airbags

• Personal interpretation of the park, geological processes, flora and fauna from our knowledgeable guide

• All admission fees including admission to the park

• Coffee, tea (including a selection of herbal teas) and water 

• Healthy snacks

• Snowshoes and hiking poles are provided free of charge in Winter. Spring and early Summer until the snowpack melts

 

What to bring

• Sturdy footwear with good grip, hiking boots are recommended. You can wear sports shoes/trainers but your grip levels will be reduced

• Clothing layers including a warm/waterproof layer. Even in summer weather conditions can be very different on the mountain and it is sometimes cloudy and cool

• A hat and gloves in winter (we carry spares if you forget)

• Sunglasses – even in winter on a clear day the snow can be blinding

• Sunscreen and insect repellent (summer). We carry a supply but recommend you keep your own

• Your camera, of course

• A small bag or backpack to keep your gear