Mount Rainier National Park, with 236,381 un-spoiled acres, was established in 1899, 17 years before the National Park Service was formed, making it one of the oldest in the nation. 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 six major rivers. It is the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range. Mount Rainier last erupted approximately 150 years ago. Coniferous trees dominate and the lower slopes have dense forests of giant Douglas firs, western red cedars, and mountain hemlocks. During the warm months the alpine meadows are covered with wildflowers that bloom progressively higher up the slopes as the summer passes. The park’s wildlife is abundant and varied and includes deer, Roosevelt elk, bears and mountain goats and there are also more than 140 bird species. One of the park’s most scenic drives runs from the Nisqually entrance to Paradise. This 80 mile drive winds through river valleys, lowland forests and glaciated peaks and offers some magnificent views. Nearly two million visitors a year come to Mount Rainier National Park for hiking, moutain climbing, backpacking, and more.

Welcome to Mount Rainier National Park

White River

White River

Fryingpan Creek Bridge

Narada Falls

Narada Falls

Trail of Shadows

Trail of Shadows

Christine Falls

Nisqually River

Pinnacle Peak

Stevens Canyon Road

Tunnel, Stevens Canyon Road

Stevens Creek

Box Canyon

Box Canyon

Roots of a Giant

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail

Mount Rainier and Louise Lake

Mount Rainier in Reflection Lake

Mount Rainier

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Space Needle aka Seattle Center was designed for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Facts:

Height: 158 m(518 ft.)
Footprint: 36.6 x 36.6 m (120 x 120 ft.)
Stories: 60
Cost: $4.5 million (1962)
Materials: Steel, Concrete and Glass
Architect: John Graham & Associate

Admission:

Observation Deck Admission
Regular: $19
Youth (ages 4-12): $12
Child (age 3 & under): Free
Senior (ages 65+): $17

Day & Night Admission
Regular: $26
Youth (ages 4-12): $17
Senior (ages 65+): $24

Opening Hours:

Observation Deck & SpaceBase Retail Store
Monday – Thursday 9:30am – 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday 9:00am – 11:30pm
Sunday 9:00am – 11:00pm

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Grand Canyon is about 200 miles long, about a mile deep gash in the earth. It is located in the northwest corner of Arizona. It was formed during 6 million years of geological activity and erosion by the Colorado River. Author did not manipulate images in any way except to boost the color saturation a bit and to try to sharpen it. Photos was taken in the very early morning or late evening hours when you could capture some stunning images.

Photos by Michael Seljos