Most of us who live in the great state of Washington are familiar with Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in our state and in the Cascade Range.  Located in Pierce County, this active volcano reaches an astounding 14,410 feet above sea level.  Six major rivers begin on the mountain, the most glaciated peak in the nation’s contiguous mainland.  The popular Mount Rainier National Park surrounds the colossal peak where more than a million visitors come every year to enjoy its subalpine meadows, old growth forests and glaciers.

Mount Rainier received its name from English Captain George Vancouver after he explored Puget Sound in the late 1700s.  It was named after the French grandson of Huguenot refugees whose name’s pronunciation was anglicized and then Americanized to Ray-neer.  Until 1890, the mountain was referred to both as Mount Rainier and as Mount Tacoma.