Mount Rainier Wilderness

Mount Rainier Wilderness is located on the west side of the Cascade Range, approximately 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier itself is the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range and dominates the landscape of a large part of western Washington. The mountain stands nearly three miles higher than the lowlands to the west and one and a half miles higher than the adjacent mountains. Twenty-six named glaciers spill down the slopes, covering approximately 37 square miles, making it the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. Mount Rainier is an active volcano that last erupted approximately 150 years ago. But the distinguishing aspects of this Wilderness only begin with the mountain. It is part of a complex ecosystem, and vegetation is diverse, reflecting the varied climatic and environmental conditions encountered across the area's 12,800-foot elevation gradient. Species known or thought to occur in the park include more than 800 vascular plants, 159 birds, 63 mammals, 16 amphibians, 5 reptiles, and 18 native fishes. The Wilderness contains 26 named glaciers across 9 major watersheds, with 382 lakes and 470 rivers and streams. A permit is required for all wilderness camping, year-round, issued for specific locations and nights, with a limited number available for each camp or zone. Individual permits cover parties of up to 5 people, group permits parties of 6 to 12, and permits can be issued for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights. Camping along trails is allowed only at established trailside camps, of which there are more than 125 individual sites and over 20 group sites; within cross-country zones you choose your own campsite, at least a quarter mile from any road or established trail and at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and wetlands. Campfires are prohibited. Climbing permits are required year-round for any day or overnight travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet, including Little Tahoma. Off-trail travel is prohibited in the Paradise, Sunrise, and Tipsoo Lake areas to protect sensitive vegetation and soils. Pets are prohibited except on the Pacific Crest Trail, where they must be leashed, and firearms are prohibited.