For the outdoor enthusiast, Washington is a dream destination. Every corner of the state provides a myriad of opportunities to climb, trek, and explore the most breathtaking outdoor wonders in the country. And Mount Rainier in Washington is the state’s crown jewel. This active stratovolcano in Mount Rainier National Park is the pride and joy of The Evergreen State, and a bucket list item for many a Washington adventurer. But it’s also one of the most dangerous National Parks in the country. Outforia recently published the results of a 10-year study analyzing data to determine the most dangerous parks in the U.S., and Mount Rainer ranked number six on the list. Towering at a staggering 14,410 feet high, the majestic Mount Rainier is equal parts treacherous and beautiful. And the same things that make this hike so drop-dead gorgeous, are also what make it so downright dangerous.
Mount Rainier National Park is Washington’s most famous recreation area and our most iconic natural wonder.
hypervel/flickr
With an abundance of trails, this National Park is one of the very best places to hike in Washington.
Mike/flickr
Looming 14,000 feet above sea level, this picturesque peak has drawn visitors from near and far to either admire or climb its heights.
Sarah McDevitt Follow/flickr
But these scenic hikes are not without risk.
Wayne Boardman/flickr
In fact, Mount Rainier is actually considered one of the most dangerous National Parks in America.
will.wade/flickr First and foremost, this mountain happens to be an active volcano. And with that comes unstable weather patterns. In fact, temperatures around the peak are known to shift from warm to freezing in the span of just a couple hours. Not unusual are 70 mph winds and rain and snow storms.
What makes the peak so dangerous is the variety of deadly accidents that could occur here.
Mike/flickr Some of these include hypothermia, sudden avalanches, falling rocks, and the potential of falling off the trail.
In its history, Mount Rainier has claimed upwards of 400 lives, a devastating fact that happens to accompany one of the most beautiful sites in the state.
Mike/flickr
The breathtaking Mount Rainier is one of the most iconic visions in the entire Pacific Northwest – but it needs to be handled with extreme care.
Scott & Emily/flickr For anyone attempting to hike in Mount Rainier National Park, it is absolutely crucial to prepare for all possible weather conditions, even in a month as seemingly mild as July. Pack lots of layers and be sure to tread with caution. When it comes to this Washington trek, you can truly never be too careful.
Mount Rainier was recently named one of the most dangerous National Parks in the country, and should be approached with care and caution. But, with great risk comes great reward, and there’s no denying the fact that this National Park is a must-visit place in Washington. Have you attempted any of its trails? Be sure to share your stories with us below!
hypervel/flickr
Mike/flickr
Sarah McDevitt Follow/flickr
Wayne Boardman/flickr
will.wade/flickr
First and foremost, this mountain happens to be an active volcano. And with that comes unstable weather patterns. In fact, temperatures around the peak are known to shift from warm to freezing in the span of just a couple hours. Not unusual are 70 mph winds and rain and snow storms.
Some of these include hypothermia, sudden avalanches, falling rocks, and the potential of falling off the trail.
Scott & Emily/flickr
For anyone attempting to hike in Mount Rainier National Park, it is absolutely crucial to prepare for all possible weather conditions, even in a month as seemingly mild as July. Pack lots of layers and be sure to tread with caution. When it comes to this Washington trek, you can truly never be too careful.
And if you’re looking for a low-risk way to take in the beauty of Mount Rainier, Emmons Overlook is an easy, two-mile loop located within the park, and offers some of the most spectacular views of this natural wonder in Washington!
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Address: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous National Parks In The country February 25, 2021 Sarah What are some of the other most dangerous National Parks in the country? Sometimes the most beautiful places are also the most dangerous. The Grand Canyon, while being a place of sublime natural beauty, also happens to be one of the most treacherous. The Bright Angel Trail at The Grand Canyon, for example, takes hikers quickly into the natural wonder, along a narrow path with some pretty sharp declines. The danger arises when its time to head back up the canyon, at which point, hikers are more fatigued, making the return trip feel almost insurmountable. The Great Colorado’s Rocky Mountains National Park is another very dangerous National Park in the country, due largely to its rugged terrain and variety of advanced trails. What are the most dangerous hikes in Washington? Mount Rainier is one of the most dangerous hikes in Washington, but it’s certainly not the only treacherous trek in the state. In fact, many of the most scenic hikes in the state carry inherent dangers. Rough and unforgiving terrain, steep shifts in elevation, and wild animals all make hiking a dangerous outdoor past time. In Washington, Colchuck Lake Trail and Ape Canyon Trail are both difficult and long treks that are best reserved for seasoned hikers. And the Skyline Loop Trail in Mount Rainier is a deceptively difficult hike in that can quickly go wrong if not approached with care and caution. What is considered the most beautiful National Park? The U.S. is known for its gorgeous National Parks, where, thanks to careful preservation and planning, these natural areas can be preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations. Some stunners? In Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park features over 300,000 of acres of pristine landscape, with the most noteworthy attraction being the epic Tetons themselves. Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park features over 40 gorgeous glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield; in addition to glaciers, visitors can also expect to see an impressive array of wildlife including whales, wolves, and harbor seals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous National Parks In The country
February 25, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the other most dangerous National Parks in the country? Sometimes the most beautiful places are also the most dangerous. The Grand Canyon, while being a place of sublime natural beauty, also happens to be one of the most treacherous. The Bright Angel Trail at The Grand Canyon, for example, takes hikers quickly into the natural wonder, along a narrow path with some pretty sharp declines. The danger arises when its time to head back up the canyon, at which point, hikers are more fatigued, making the return trip feel almost insurmountable. The Great Colorado’s Rocky Mountains National Park is another very dangerous National Park in the country, due largely to its rugged terrain and variety of advanced trails. What are the most dangerous hikes in Washington? Mount Rainier is one of the most dangerous hikes in Washington, but it’s certainly not the only treacherous trek in the state. In fact, many of the most scenic hikes in the state carry inherent dangers. Rough and unforgiving terrain, steep shifts in elevation, and wild animals all make hiking a dangerous outdoor past time. In Washington, Colchuck Lake Trail and Ape Canyon Trail are both difficult and long treks that are best reserved for seasoned hikers. And the Skyline Loop Trail in Mount Rainier is a deceptively difficult hike in that can quickly go wrong if not approached with care and caution. What is considered the most beautiful National Park? The U.S. is known for its gorgeous National Parks, where, thanks to careful preservation and planning, these natural areas can be preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations. Some stunners? In Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park features over 300,000 of acres of pristine landscape, with the most noteworthy attraction being the epic Tetons themselves. Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park features over 40 gorgeous glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield; in addition to glaciers, visitors can also expect to see an impressive array of wildlife including whales, wolves, and harbor seals.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sometimes the most beautiful places are also the most dangerous. The Grand Canyon, while being a place of sublime natural beauty, also happens to be one of the most treacherous. The Bright Angel Trail at The Grand Canyon, for example, takes hikers quickly into the natural wonder, along a narrow path with some pretty sharp declines. The danger arises when its time to head back up the canyon, at which point, hikers are more fatigued, making the return trip feel almost insurmountable. The Great Colorado’s Rocky Mountains National Park is another very dangerous National Park in the country, due largely to its rugged terrain and variety of advanced trails.
What are the most dangerous hikes in Washington?
Mount Rainier is one of the most dangerous hikes in Washington, but it’s certainly not the only treacherous trek in the state. In fact, many of the most scenic hikes in the state carry inherent dangers. Rough and unforgiving terrain, steep shifts in elevation, and wild animals all make hiking a dangerous outdoor past time. In Washington, Colchuck Lake Trail and Ape Canyon Trail are both difficult and long treks that are best reserved for seasoned hikers. And the Skyline Loop Trail in Mount Rainier is a deceptively difficult hike in that can quickly go wrong if not approached with care and caution.
What is considered the most beautiful National Park?
The U.S. is known for its gorgeous National Parks, where, thanks to careful preservation and planning, these natural areas can be preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations. Some stunners? In Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park features over 300,000 of acres of pristine landscape, with the most noteworthy attraction being the epic Tetons themselves. Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park features over 40 gorgeous glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield; in addition to glaciers, visitors can also expect to see an impressive array of wildlife including whales, wolves, and harbor seals.
