Mount Rainier is simply magnificent.  It is so huge that on clear days it looms over Seattle like a giant from a distance of 100 miles.  This dormant volcano will someday erupt like its neighbor Mount St. Helens.  Be sure to visit this natural wonder before that happens.

Mt. Rainier National Park is filled with beautiful views of the Cascades, deep forests and streams fed by Rainier's glaciers.  We recommend that you enter the park from the southwest at Longmire and drive to the Paradise Visitor Station where you can access a host of hiking trails.

The summit can only be reached by trained climbers with experienced mountain guides.  It takes two days to reach the top and is very dangerous.  Several people die every year attemtping to climb Mt. Rainier.  The good news is that even simple hikers can get far enough up the mountain in safety to enjoy wonderful vistas.

Once you leave the Paradise Visitor Center on your choice of hiking trails you will soon find yourselff above the tree line and walking through amazing high meadows filled with multi-colored wildflowers.  You will also see wildlife including friendly ground squirrels, distant mountain goats and soaring eagles.

Stay on the trail and eventually, even in summer, you will reach the snow line.  Mt. Rainier is 14,410 feet high, the highest mountain in Washington.  The difficult climbing part does not begin until well past the 10,000 foot level.  Barb thought that was great for an impromptu summer snowball fight.

Whether you are enjoying the waters of Puget Sound, the food and nightlife of Seattle or and natural splendor of Mount Rainier, take it from Dave, the Pacific Northwest is full of wonderful things for a Regular Guy! 

Want to know more?  Thinking of visiting Seattle and the Pacific Northwest?  Check out the Seattle Insider.