The Mountain Loop Six Days Around Mount Rainier National Park
The undisputed Queen of all mountains in Washington is Mt. Rainier. Tahoma to the natives, this volcano at 14,411 feet is not only the tallest peak in Washington, it is a living god to all those who have lived beneath her for centuries. 10,000 years ago the mountain collapsed on itself sending a 300 foot wall of mud 30 miles north, creating the plain that now is home to many towns, including Puyallup, Enumclaw, Auburn, Black Diamond among others. On this adventure you will discover all that makes “The Mountain” what it is… the greatest volcano in the chain of mountains called the “Cascades.” Tahoma is not dead, she is only sleeping!
Rainier Mountain…
Rainier mountain rules the northwest and can be seen from hundreds of miles in all directions and towers over Tacoma and Seattle. This adventure starts with a trip through Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, a giant game preserve where you’ll get an up close view of the animals that are native to the region. You will see cougar, mountain goats, black bear, elk, deer and buffalo. After the game drive, board the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad for an old fashioned train ride to Mineral Lake for your first great views of “The Mountain.”
Once entering Mt. Rainier National Park, you’ll be awed by the forest and the mountains. You’ll visit the Visitors Center and Museum for biological, geographical and cultural histories of “The Mountain.” Then a hike up to 6000 feet and views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier and its many glaciers.
The next day plan to hike the interpretive trail through “Ohanapecosh” to “The Grove of the Patriarchs,” the local collection of the largest Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees in the world. Finish the circumnavigation of Rainier via a rafting trip with Alpine Adventures on the Class III White River, which flows from the largest glacier on the mountain, the Emmons.
Washington State Rainier Mountain Loop Tour Contacts
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad & Museum
Reservations Phone (360) 569-7959
54124 Mountain Highway East, Elbe, WA 98330
mtrainierrailroad.com
Visit Rainier – Mt. Rainer Tourism
visitrainier.com
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
11610 Trek Drive East
Eatonville, WA 98328
Main number: 360-832-6117
Group tickets: 360-832-7166
Reservations for events/programs: 360-832-7166
Fax: 360-832-6118
www.nwtrek.org
Mount Rainier National Park Washington
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, open from June to early October, offers exhibits, guided interpretive programs, and book sales.
Website for Ohanapecosh
Grove of the Patriarchs Loop Trail
Washington Trail Association
Alpine Adventures’ Wild & Scenic River Tours
P.O. Box 373
Gold Bar, WA, 98251
Phone: 1-360-863-6505
Alt Phone: 1-800-723-8386
Web Site: http://www.alpineadventures.comE-mail: Send E-mail
Mount Rainier Lodging and Accommodations
Visit Rainier – Mt. Rainer Tourism
visitrainier.comDeals on Mount Rainier Hotels and Mount Rainier Accommodations
Tours Including Washington State Volcanoes / Mount Rainier
- Mayflower Tours – National Parks of the Pacific Northwest
- Evergreen Escapes – Mt. Rainier Tour with Nature Walks or Snowshoeing
All-Inclusive | Small Group Mt. Rainier Tour
