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Tag: Mount Rainier National Park

From the Archives: Classic mountain photos!

From the Archives: Classic mountain photos!

Mountains are among the physical marvels that draw visitors throughout the world to our state and make Washingtonians proud to call this place home. Our mountains serve as grand and inspiring, yet dangerous, playgrounds for climbers, scramblers, backpackers, dayhikers and others wanting to get close to nature. Several of Washington’s most notable peaks are dormant volcanoes, including one (Mount St. Helens) that has been active more than once in recent decades. You can find many classic photos of Washington’s best-known…

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Hey, put me down!

Hey, put me down!

Two skiers at Mount Rainier in 1940s. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Digital Archives) If you’re looking to go somewhere for winter recreation that has jaw-dropping views and can take your breath away (or at least make you pant a little bit due to the altitude), try Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. Located on the south side of Rainier, Paradise offers a snow play area for tubers and plastic disc riders. Paradise also is a popular place for snowshoeing,…

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2016 Archives Month celebrates Washington parks

2016 Archives Month celebrates Washington parks

  2016 Archives Month poster. (Image courtesy of Washington State Archives) When it comes to parks, Washington is pretty blessed. Just consider our national parks. Our oldest, Mount Rainier, includes its namesake peak that majestically stands nearly three miles above sea level and draws visitors not only from our state but around the nation and world. Then there is Olympic National Park, which is highlighted by the breathtaking view from Hurricane Ridge, the incredible rain forests on the park’s west…

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Celebrating National Parks centennial

Celebrating National Parks centennial

Climbers going up Mount Rainier’s Muir Snowfield. (Photo courtesy Brian Zylstra) If you go to one of Washington’s three national parks tomorrow through Sunday, you’re in for a treat – the National Parks Service is offering free admission in honor of the Park Service’s centennial Thursday! If you’re looking for things to do at Mount Rainier, North Cascades or Olympic National Park to celebrate the big anniversary, check out this story by News Tribune outdoor writer Craig Hill. Hurricane Ridge,…

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From the Archives: Mount Rainier in summer!

From the Archives: Mount Rainier in summer!

Mount Rainier from Plummer Peak. (Photos courtesy of Washington State Digital Archives) As weather-watchers know, it’s supposed to get hot this weekend in Western Washington. As in the 90s. For people wanting to beat the heat, there usually are two options: head for the water or head into the mountains. If the latter sounds like your thing, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place than Mount Rainier National Park, home of our state’s tallest peak at well over 14,000…

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From the Archives: Paradise Ice Caves

From the Archives: Paradise Ice Caves

Paradise Ice Caves in 1920s. (Photo courtesy Washington State Digital Archives) For decades until their disappearance in the early 1990s, the Paradise Ice Caves were perhaps the most popular attraction for visitors to Mount Rainier National Park. The view inside the caves was amazing, as the icy walls and ceiling had a bluish glow to them. A cool breeze often blew through the ice caves, as if you needed reminding that you were on the highest mountain in the Northwest….

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Classic WA photos: Critters at Rainier NP

Classic WA photos: Critters at Rainier NP

Nowadays, visitors to Mount Rainier National Park in Washington’s Cascades are discouraged from feeding the animals there. But that wasn’t always the case. This photo, taken sometime between 1920 and 1960, shows a young couple feeding a raccoon outside a building in the popular park. The sign on the steps says, “No dog or cats allowed in this building.” Apparently, the raccoon knew this. Or maybe it just knew that looking cute would score it a snack. The photo is…

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WA State Library photos: skiing Mount Rainier

WA State Library photos: skiing Mount Rainier

Our State Library has many rare and historic books, newspapers, maps and other collections (even phone books!) related to Washington and the Northwest. The State Library also has a great collection of more than 5,000 classic black-and-white photos that capture Washington’s history, people, geography and economic development. You can view the State Library Photograph Collection, 1851-1990, here. It’s also found on our Digital Archives website. Since we’re in the middle of a white winter in the mountains, you’ll enjoy some…

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Just hanging around Mount Rainier

Just hanging around Mount Rainier

Majestic Mount Rainier has long been one of Washington’s top recreational hotspots. The 14,411-foot peak and its namesake national park attract campers, hikers and backpackers, as well as mountain climbers of all abilities, from novices to world-class athletes who ascend Rainier’s technically challenging north side in preparation for expeditions on Himalayan peaks. This State Digital Archives photo, taken around 1950 by Bob and Ira Spring, shows Seattle native Walter Gonnason, who was rappelling down the face of Pinnacle Peak, with…

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From Digital Archives: Vintage pass views & autos

From Digital Archives: Vintage pass views & autos

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Digital Archives.) Anyone who drives across the Washington Cascades gets to enjoy million-dollar views and recreational opportunities of mountain pass highways that are the envy of the nation. The passes also play a crucial role in Washington’s transportation system, connecting the western and eastern sectors of the state and providing speedy farm-to-market roadways. Our Digital Archives has cool classic photos that will get you in the mood for a roadtrip down memory lane! The top…

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