Mount Rainier National Park

Welcome to Washington's Mount Rainier National Park. home of 14,410 foot Mount Rainier, an active volcano.

Park History: Archeological evidence tells us that humans were first living in the region as far back as 15,000 years ago back when Mount Rainier was still covered in ice. The descendants of these people include members of the Cowlitz, Yakama, Nisqually, Squaxin Island, Muckleshoot, and Pullayup tribes. For many years it was not widely believed that these tribal peoples ever had much use for the mountains stone resources until a rock shelter containing bits and pieces of weapons and tools was discovered on the mountain's slope in 1963.

Flora and Fauna: Approximately 58% of Mount Rainier National Park is forested thereby giving it a diversity of plant life. Some of the more than 800 plant species include pussytoes, alpine asters, huckleberries, yellow cedars, pines, and many others. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include black bears, Douglas squirrels, black-tailed deer, peregrine falcons, northern spotted owls, and bald eagles. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Mount Rainier National Park boasts fabulous mountain climbing opportunities, miles of hiking trails, and much more. Come on out and explore.