We have other mountains in this state; in fact, we have quite a few, but none compares to the ever-present sentinel that has become the most recognized symbol of our state. There are those who live in parts of Eastern Washington who do not have the opportunity to see Mt. Rainier daily but for those of us close to the Cascade Mountain Range, Mt. Rainier IS the defining feature of our landscape.At 14,410 feet it is the highest point in Washington State and on a clear day it dominates the horizon, a beautiful dormant volcano that still brings a smile to the face of this author even after all these years. Two visitor centers are available for tourists and locals. Sunrise Visitor Center is accessible from July 1st through the end of September and can be reached using I-90 and Highway
12. The most popular access to the Park is through the Nisqually Entrance along Highway 706 and then following the road to Longmire and Paradise. This center is open year round and roads are maintained making winter access quite easy.The Park has hundreds of miles of maintained trails and during July and August even the higher trails have lost most of their snow cover. Choose a trail that suits your level of experience and go for a walk among towering firs and pines or drive up to Paradise and enjoy a great meal while looking at one of the prettiest mountains you will ever see. Whatever you choose to do it Mt. Rainier is a must for any visitor to Washington State.