Mount Rainier

This mountain is one of the most striking natural things I have seen. It's summit reaches higher than any other in the contiguous 48 states. The surrounding national park is huge and offers many types of terrain and experiences. The main attraction, of course, is the active volcano Mount Rainier. It is difficult to really explain how big, how absolutely tremendous this mountain is. The contrast in size with the surrounding mountains adds to the whole mystique. After seeing the force Mount Saint Helens unleashed on the surrounding area, it is something to walk in the presence of this giant. 

That's a volcano - it rises to 14,500 feet and is easily visible from Seattle
Clear cutting of entire groves of trees for lumber		Welcome to Mount Rainier
Cliffside with Jason		North from Sunrise Point
Some of the rugged mountains ringing Mt. Rainier		Heading upwards through massive rock fields
Heading to nothing-land. The last line on the sign says it all.		The frozen tundra of Burroughs Peak #1
One of the few signs of life on the tundra.		About halfway up to Burroughs Peak # 2
A view through the park		The first sighting of the big guy. Almost seems like a different planet.
The peak of Mount Ranier as seen up close from 7200'
tree-cicles		A glacier doing its thing
Trailside heading east		A local resident
Shadow Lake		Supplier of warmth and caffine after a long day

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