You are here

Home » Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Park History: Mount Rainier National Park

“Does any skeptic suppose that a true mountaineer regrets any heroic mountain exploit because of some mishap…does he suppose that any of the many zealous navigators who sailed in that vain quest, the discovery of the mild open sea about the North Pole, bewailed the suffering he endured or the brave efforts he made? Does he imagine that man will ever cease his attempts…to reach the summit of unconquered peaks, simply because of possible mishaps and sufferings attendant thereon?”

Mt Rainier from 20,000 Feet

Mt Rainier from 20,000 Feet; Jeremy Sullivan photo.

We've had snow storm after snow storm hit the Cascades recently, here in the Great Northwest. But, two weeks ago the weather cleared, and it coincided with a flight I had out of Seattle. I feel quite lucky that I picked the correct side of the plane to sit on, and that our route took the airplane so close to Mt Rainier. I had my little digital "point and shoot" snapping away as we approached the mountain from its northwest side, passed it along its west face, then banked at the southwest corner revealing a quick peek at its full southern face, before we were headed away from the mountain.

Jeremy Sullivan
  • By jersu - January 31st, 2008 12:51pm

Mount Rainier National Park Holiday Ornament

This ornament was created by Eatonville, Washington, artist Dale Thompson, how had a long career with the National Park Service before retiring as Mount Rainier's chief naturalist in 1981.

The ornament depicts the traditional iconic mountain scene of Paradise meadows and the Muir snowfield taken from Mazama Ridge. A self-described bird nut, Thompson also included on the back side of the ornament images of two colorful bird species found in the park – the western tanager and the Steller’s jay perched on white pine boughs.

Dale Thompson

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.