The landscape of Mount Rainier National Park is easily
overshadowed by the enormity of Mount Rainier itself -- a
14,000-foot-tall volcano looming over surrounding forests and
meadows. This grand landmass is the reason over 2 million
visitors come to the park yearly, and provides a wealth of
activities that include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or
brave attempts to hike to the volcano's summit. Mount Rainier is
the resting ground for at least 25 glaciers that cover over 35
square miles of the volcano, and have carved its slopes and
ridges over time. At Mount Rainier National Park, it's possible
to view the largest glacier on the continental United States
from Emmons Vista, or trek to Gobbler's Knob for views of Mount
Rainier, the highest peak in the Pacific Northwest, dominating
the landscape. Of course, this national park is much more than a
glorious volcano - it has also been designated a National
Historic Landmark District for its 1920s- and 1930s-style
architecture, and is home to thousands of acre