MOUNT RAINIER

Vivek, Shivani and Neev were with us, in Seattle, for 4th of July weekend. On 2 Jul we all piled in two cars and drove to Mount Rainier. The drive of about 130 miles was one of the best scenic drive that I ever had. We stopped at couple of places to enjoy the nature at its best.
Rainier is basically a pulsating active volcano which can erupt any time, without much warning. It last erupted in 1840. The devastation it will cause is unimagineable. However, for now, the beauty of the sleeping giant takes one's breath away. Dense green forest around it enhances the beauty of its white capped peak.
We spent the whole day admiring the view from various vantage points. Here are the pictures for you all to enjoy.

OMNIPRESENT MOUNT RAINIER

Mount Rainier can be seen from anywhere in Washington State. This is the view from next to our house in Snoqualmie, about 100 miles away.

FILL IN THE GAP!!!

Ashish is showing the space his wife will occupy!
Beside weddings Mount Rainier National Park also provides - Elopement Packages! Once can choose from "Enchanting Elopement" or "Wine & Roses Elopement". Contact 360-569-2300 !!!!!!!!!!

PARADISE VISITOR CENTER

VIVEK AND SHIVANI

PARADISE VISITOR CENTER

AVINASH AND REENA

PARADISE VISITOR CENTER

Us two!
Special permits at $60 are available to get married at the Mount Rainier National Park! Apply at 360-569-2211!!!!!

LUNCH TIME

Cute Kuhu and naughty Neev
Wild animals like bear, elk and goats are almost decimated. One can hope to see chipmunks, squirrels, pikas and deer. Indiscriminate killing by early settlers has almost wiped out all the wild life.

TANKING UP!

Lunch break at the rest area.
On the eastern slope one can drive to Sunnrise Visitor Center located at 6000 feet altitude. The early morning light offers the most photogenic views on this side of the mountain. The other apporaches are Nisqually Entrance from southwestern foot of the mountain and the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise (5400 feet).

REST AREA

Sunrise Visitor Center is the highest point where one can drive to. It has all the facilities one needs for comfort and guidance. It is located at a height of 6000 feet. 9000 feet of climb to the top is very demanding. Camp Muir, at 10,188 feet is the final launching site for the summit. Climbers stay here overnight and then start the climb to the summit in the middle of the night. On a clear day from the top, called Columbia Crest, all of Washington and much of Oregon states are visible.

REST AREA

Mt Rainier National park is home to approximately 54 species of mammals, 126 species of birds and 17 species of amphibians and reptiles.

THREESOME IN REST AREA

About 2 million people visit Mt Rainier National Park each year. In 2003 over 9000 people attempted to climb the mountain, 5295 of them actually reached the summit. Over 35 sq miles of permanent ice and snow covers the Mountain.

ENJOYING THE DRIVE

Mount Rainier National Park was established on Mar 2, 1899 covering are area of 365 sq miles. It is America's fifth oldest park, after Yellowstone(1872), General Grant, Yosetmite and Sequoia (all in 1890). The park has over 260 miles of trails and 147 miles of roads.

ONE OF THE TUNNELS

The area most likely to be affected due to eruption falls under Pierce County (population 660,000 as of 1995). It has a well rehearsed contingency plan to save lives. At every highway, village, town etc signs (see alongside) have been placed for quick evacuation.

SCENIC DRIVE

We were in two cars. The car ahead is Avinash's Audi
Mount Rainier poses serious danger to millions of residents living in its shadow. And as per geologists it stands a good chance of eruting in the near future!

ONE LANE MOUNTAIN ROAD

140 odd mile drive from Sonqualmie is breathtaking. There are tall evergreen trees all along the route. Red Indians called the mountain as Takhoma "big mountain". On May 8, 1792 Captain Vancouver wrote in his log ".....the round snowy mountain......I name it after my friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier...."

BREATH-TAKING VIEW

The Cascade Mountain range extends from California to British Columbia in Canada.

PANORAMIC VIEW

The base of Mount Rainier is spread over an area of 100 sq miles. The flanks of the mountain contribute to five major rivers viz., Carbon, White, Cowlitz, Nisqually and Puyallup.

NANI WITH NEEV

Mount Rainier is part of 725 miles long (north-south) Cascade mountain range, on the west coast of USA

SIBLINGS WITH KUHU

Mount Rainier is the highest mountain, at 14,411 feet, in the Cascade Range.

SNOWY CROWN - MOUNT RAINIER

Mount Rainier is a dormant volcano which last erupted in 1840 and can do so again, any time!