Mount Rainier : The West Coast's Hidden Treasure

John Muir once said in 1901,“ Of all the fire mountains which, like beacons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast, Mount rainier is the noblest."

You may never have known that Mount Rainier is actually one of the hidden treasures of Washington State. Located around 2 hours away from Seattle, it is a nice weekend getaway into the west coast mountains for hike or two. Although maybe lest prestigious then Mt. Olympia or Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier is a grandeur sight to take it, especially on a nice sunny day.

For thousands of years, Indigenous people have lived in and around Mount Rainier, and today, it remains and important place where people connect with what’s important in their lives. Our ancestors have relied on the natural surroundings of the mountains to provide them with the necessary materials for life - including food, shelter, culture and prayer.

Mount Rainier is one of the tallest volcanos in the Cascade Mountain Range and thousands of people visit it each day to witness the beauty and wilderness. Throughout the various regions of the park including Sunrise, Paradise, the climb at Liberty Cap is regarded to be one of the most challenging hikes compared to Mount Everest, with some people perishing on the mountain before making the it to the top.

Take a three day roadtrip to this majestic sight and you won't regret it. Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers.

With three key areas to hike from, including Paradise, Longmire and Sunrise, Mount Rainier offers many trails to discover, along with a visitor lodge. On the first day, drive from Seattle in around a 2 hour drive into the national park. Be sure to head there on a sunny day to see Mount Rainier in all its glory. In the summer, expect meadows, wildlife and deer, and if you catch a nice sunny day in the fall, take in in as this area is known for the rain, especially in the spring and fall.

 Reflection Falls

Explore Reflection Falls, seen here in the photo in a spectacular fall day, where you can see the reflection of the lake. Come here on a clear day and near sunset, you will be amazed at the amazing reflection of the lake. During sunset, be sure to stop by the numerous scenic viewpoints to see the beauty of this land.

Don’t forget to hike the iconic skyline trail that takes you up to the very top of Paradise. Throughout this hike, you will be greeted with meadows of flowers with changing altitude all the way to the top, as you greet glaciers on your way ascending. The skyline trail is an all-levels loop trail that ascends from the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, a must see destination to begin your hike.

The Henry M Jackson Visitor Center is also a popular destination to learn more about the history of Mount Rainier, offering exhibits and other educational programming.

End your day at Wildberry restaurant, owned by longtime mountaineer from Nepal, who has climbed Mount Everest over 15 times and Mount Rainier over 100 times. This is an iconic restaurant landmark not to be missed, but truly a reflection of the people who have shaped America today.

Later on, relax in the historic Victorian Alexandra Lodge, located close to the national park’s entrance, where you will awake with a new vibrant energy for a new hike.

On the second day, if you have time, travel to the Recycled Spirts of Iron Sculpture Park to witness various iron sculptures crafted in various outdoor settings. If you have the energy, take mini-hikes in the surrounding Longmire area before heading back.

Mount Rainier Review: 4.5/5

Mount Rainier is a nice weekend getaway that allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. When I went there in the fall, I felt the gentle quietness of a small town nestled in the changing colours of the fall, quiet enough to hear birds chirping and feel the brisk shiver of the changing fall environment. Living on the west coast, it is a definite must if you love hiking and the great outdoors.