Mt. Rainier Glaciers Photo

Photographer’s Note

Another shot from Mount Rainier National Park. The park was established on March 2, 1899, and encompasses 235,625 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610' to 14,410' above sea level. The "mountain" is an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old growth forest and stunning wildflower meadows. Geologists consider this mountain to be an 'episodically active' volcano, meaning one that will erupt again some time in the future even though it may be quiet now. Mount Rainier is the tallest volcano and fifth highest peak in the contiguous United States. Mt. Rainier is within an hours drive of Mt. St. Helens, a currently active volcano.

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Critiques | Translate

LCannon (2776) 2006-01-04 22:13

The mountain seems very grand up this close, looks like you could just walk right up to the top! Very dramatic view here.

mfonda (889) 2006-03-15 15:40

Nice shot of Rainier.

Just to add a little more to the note: The glacier in the left of the photo is the Wilson Glacier. Central is the Nisqually Glacier. On the right, barely visable, is the top of the Muir Snowfield. The big rock in the top right is know as Gibraltar Rock, which is also pictured on TE here: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/West/Washington/photo329136.htm