Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is a national park located on U.S. lands in Washington State. The total area it occupies is approximately 954 km2. The park was founded in 1889 and named after the Rainier volcano, which is located in the middle of the park. The height of this stratovolcano is about 4392 meters, which stands out sharply in this area, since on average, the height of the park ranges from 400 to 1,500 meters above sea level. Around the highest peak of the reserve, there is a mountain range with magnificent waterfalls, a variety of valleys, meadows where flowers bloom, as well as the rarest forests.
The volcano present here very often "builds" the weather in the park, as it delays a lot of clouds from which precipitation falls, which in turn often leads to devastating floods. Rainier Peak is covered with glaciers, of which 26 are named. They, together with the snow cover, have a very massive appearance. Carboniferous and Emmons glaciers are distinguished among the named glaciers, which occupy a fairly large part of the territory. It is not difficult to get to Nisqually by using the famous 149 km road called "Wonderland", which leads through the mountains to the glaciers, providing an opportunity for tourists to enjoy the local scenery. Glaciers have changed their size a lot recently, which is proof of climate change. The Rainier volcano is considered to be not completely extinct yet, as its activity was recorded after the last eruption in 1820-1854. The locals are not intimidated by this assumption, and they continue to actively settle nearby.
The vegetation of Mount Rainier Park is represented by forests, among which pine, fir, and cedar are often found. Woodlands smoothly turn into blooming meadows, as well as valleys. The fauna of the park is quite rich, which is represented by many mammals, among them there are bears, moose, deer. Invertebrates of the animal world are very common here, and the variety of birds is also impressive.
Approximately 2 million tourists visit Mount Rainier National Park annually, which puts its attendance on the same level as the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yellowstone National parks. One of the most popular places among tourists is the southern slope of Paradise Valley. The nature reserve has developed trails along which you can walk or ski. Guests of the reserve enjoy spending time here, doing a wide variety of activities: hiking in the mountains, camping, as well as various cabins.
