Mount Rainier, the answer to 'is the mountain out?'

Field guide ◆ Mount Rainier

Plan the trip.

Mount Rainier is the most prominent peak in the contiguous United States — 14,411 feet rising essentially out of sea level, with 25 named glaciers, the largest glacier system in the Lower 48. On clear days you can see it from Seattle. On snowy mornings around the mountain, locals greet each other with 'is the mountain out?'

For 3 days: Day 1, Sunrise area on the northeast side (the highest road in Washington at 6,400 feet — open July to October). Hike the Burroughs Mountain trail. Day 2, drive over to Paradise on the south side. Hike Skyline Trail through the wildflower meadows (the famous postcards). Day 3, descend to the Grove of the Patriarchs old-growth grove.

Best window: late July through August for wildflowers, late September for fall color. The mountain has its own weather — even on sunny Seattle days, the summit can be in cloud. Pack for changing conditions.