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Narrator 1: Welcome to Mount Rainier National Park.
Covering almost three hundred seventy square miles,
the park is home to not only iconic Mount Rainier
but thousands of acres of pristine wilderness made up of
everything from subalpine meadows and old growth forest to
glacier carved valleys and a volcanic peak. Whether you have a day
or all summer to explore, every corner of the park has something
amazing to discover.
Narrator 2: We begin our exploration in the northwest corner of the park,
home to the Carbon River and Mowich Lake.
Carbon River is one of the best areas in the park to see
the dynamic effects of water in shaping Mount Rainier.
From the Carbon Glacier
the longest, deepest, and lowest-elevation glacier in the park
to the Carbon River itself, water is a powerful sculpting force
that continually changes this landscape. As one of the
rainiest places in the park, the Carbon River area is home
to a temperate rain forest. Learn about the plants and animals
of this rain forest by following the easy, self-guided rain forest
nature trail, that begins near the Carbon River entrance.
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In 2006, a massive flood damaged
much of the historic Carbon River road. Now the road is closed
to vehicles, but is open for bike riding and hiking.
Pristine Mowich Lake, located not far from Carbon River,
is open from July to October.
A starting point for several popular hiking trails, Mowich Lake also
has a backcountry campground.
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The Nisqually Entrance is located in the southwest corner of the park
and serves as the historic gateway to the Longmire and Paradise areas
of the park.
Westside Road, a popular access point for hiking,
branches off the main road not far from the Entrance.
Like the Carbon River Road, Westside Road has been shaped many times
by flooding and debris flows. Evidence of these
dynamic processes can be seen clearly along the road.
As you continue the drive up to Longmire, pause at Kautz Creek for one
of the first views of the mountain visible in the park along this road.
Or a little farther, walk the short Twin Firs Loop Trail
for an introduction to the park's old growth forest.
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Longmire was the first settlement in the park and is preserved as a
National Historic Landmark District. The story of the park's early history
can still be found along the Trail of the Shadows and historic
walking tour through Longmire. Volcanic mineral springs
that supported the early Longmire settlement still bubble in
the Longmire meadow. (bubbling spring)
The road itself from Nisqually Entrance up to Paradise is also part of
the Historic Landmark District. Designed specifically to provide
the best experience for visitors, the winding road dramatically
reveals the mountain and its terrain,
from glacier carved valleys and lava ridges to waterfalls and old growth forest.
(waterfall noise)
Favorite stops between Longmire and Paradise include Christine and
Narada Falls, or you can camp at Cougar Rock Campground.
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Many trails can be accessed from the road with options to hike
along glacier rivers and lava ridges or to explore
subalpine meadows.
Paradise, well deserving of its name, is the most
popular destination in the park. Home to the
Paradise Inn and the Jackson Visitor Center,
this area has many amenities for the first time visitor. In winter
the area remains open for snowshoeing, sledding, and other winter activities.
In summer and fall, hike through subalpine meadows thick with
wildflowers or fall foliage.
As you leave Paradise, enjoy a drive down the Paradise Valley Road,
a favorite route for viewing spring wildflowers or fall colors.
Keep an eye out for birds, marmots, deer,
bears, and other wildlife enjoying the valley.
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The historic Stevens Canyon Road descends from the
subalpine meadows at Paradise to the heart of the old growth forest
found in the Ohanapecosh area of the park.
Like Paradise Valley Road, Stevens Canyon Road is a
popular drive for viewing fall colors as well as
ephemeral waterfalls in spring. As you drive along the canyon
don't forget to stop at some of the pullouts and look back for a
magnificent view of Mount Rainier. Or make a day
of it and hike one of the many trails along Stevens Canyon.
Explore subalpine lakes, such as Bench and Snow Lakes, or Louise Lake. Hike the
Pinnacle Peak trail in the Tatoosh mountains
or follow part of the 93-mile Wonderland Trail that circles Mount Rainier.
(music fading, birds)
(birds)
(footsteps, birds)
(birds, jay call)
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At Box Canyon, look over the side
of an old stone bridge to view a deep narrow fissure eroded in the rock
by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River before continuing on to
the Grove of the Patriarchs.
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The ancient trees that make up the Grove reside on an
island in the middle of the clear, snow fed Ohanpecosh River.
With trees hundreds of years old, the Grove
of the Patriarchs epitomizes the feeling of age and majesty
associated with true old growth forest.
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Those looking to enjoy a longer hike through the area's old growth forest
can take the Eastside Trail, which branches off from
the Grove of the Patriarchs trail. At Ohanapecosh
stop in the visitor center before exploring the Hot Springs Nature Trail.
Camp beneath the canopy of the forest in the
Ohanapecosh Campground, or follow the trail leaving the campground
to view the impressive Silver Falls.
(roaring water)
Head north from Ohanapecosh to reach the White River and
Sunrise areas in the northeast corner of the park.
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Climbing up through forested
valleys to mountain passes, the road north has many pullouts
with spectacular views of the surrounding areas.
Trails along the way lead to a historic fire lookout and connect to the
famous Pacific Crest Trail, which crosses through the east side
of the park. At Chinook Pass, walk across the
historic entrance arch walking bridge, or enjoy the
lush wildflower displays that fill the subalpine meadows ringing Tipsoo Lake.
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The White River area hosts the park's third campground and provides
access to some of the park's east side trails such as
Summerland and Owyhigh Lakes.
A favorite hike is the Emmons Moraine Trail, offering amazing views
of the Emmons glacier and Mount Rainier.
The road from White River up to Sunrise is a journey through the geologic
history of Mount Rainier. Starting in the White River valley
carved by Ice Age glaciers and shaped by volcanic mud flows,
the Sunrise Road climbs past layers of lava and ash
from past eruptions to reach the lava ridge upon which Sunrise is built.
Sunrise Point features 360-degree
views of not only Mount Rainier but the surrounding
Cascade mountains. On clear days you can see the
volcanic peaks of Mount Adams and Mount Baker in the distance.
Combined with the amazing views of the Emmons glacier and Mount Rainier,
Sunrise is another popular summer destination
in the park. The Sunrise area is open from July to September.
Located on the drier east side of Mount Rainier,
subapline meadows around Sunrise have a different character
than areas that receive more rainfall like Paradise.
Hiking opportunities abound, with trails leading through subalpine
meadows and volcanic ridges.
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Where will your next Mount Rainier
adventure take you? Will you stand at the foot of a glacier,
gaze up at an ancient forest canopy,
or surround yourself with wildflowers? Will you hike to a waterfall
or relax next to a subalpine lake? Or will you stay for a while
to enjoy the view?
Plan your visit to Mount Rainier National Park by visiting the park website.
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