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Tag: Mount Rainier

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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Mount Rainier National Park – National Park Service – Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Mount Rainier National Park – National Park Service – Celebrating 100 Years of Service

For many people when they think of Washington State the first thing that comes to mind is Mount Rainier. The tallest peak in the state, at 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape on both the east and west side of the state and all Washingtonians feel that it is “their mountain.” On March 2, 1899, Mount Rainier was established as the fifth national park, named so by William McKinley.  The park is a veritable year round…

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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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National Parks Service in Washington State (parks, reserves, historic sites, etc.)

National Parks Service in Washington State (parks, reserves, historic sites, etc.)

Selected Resources National Park Service 2016 marks the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. “That’s 100 years of protecting America’s natural, historical and cultural treasures from all over the United States. These more than 400 beautiful, historic and exquisite sites cover over 80 million acres consisting of approximately 18,000 miles of trails, more than 75,000 archaeological sites and at least 247 species of threatened or endangered plants and animals.” (Text from http://bit.ly/2allmnJ.) Interior Department National Park System. National Park System…

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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: Classic Rainier climbing photos

From Digital Archives: Classic Rainier climbing photos

(Photos courtesy of Digital Archives) As the tallest peak in the Pacific Northwest and one that offers both challenging and comparatively easy routes, Mount Rainier is a magnet for mountain climbers near and far, novice or expert. During the summer, it’s common to see groups of climbers trudging up the mountain from Paradise in hopes of reaching the 14,411-foot summit and earning an amazing view of the surrounding mountains, steep valleys and lowlands below. Our Digital Archives has some classic…

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From Your Corner of Washington: Mount Rainier & other peaks

From Your Corner of Washington: Mount Rainier & other peaks

Summer temperatures in Western Washington usually are warm and comfortable. When temps around here become too hot for comfort, many people do one of two things: They either find saltwater or head up to the mountains. If you choose the latter, it’s tough to beat a day on majestic Mount Rainier. A day hike to Camp Muir, nestled on Rainier’s south side, can bring a cool, gentle breeze and plenty of quiet and solitude. Remember to use lots of sunscreen…

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From Digital Archives: Classic photos of Washington trails

From Digital Archives: Classic photos of Washington trails

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Digital Archives) Over the years, thousands of intrepid day-hikers, backpackers and horseback riders have headed outdoors to traverse Washington’s many miles of trails. The state’s vast system of trails can take you through lush forests, past towering waterfalls and rushing rivers, and over mountainous terrain that offers jaw-dropping views. Our Digital Archives has dozens of classic (and mostly black-and-white) photos highlighting trails in the Evergreen State. Three of them are in this blog post. The…

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