It is so amazing so see this mount sitting like a frosting throughout the year! Even if it is hot weather conditions everywhere in its vicinity, it is surprising how it manages to keep it cool ( pun intended :). This is about 2 hours drive from Seattle and is one destination for people of all ages and all fitness varieties. For fittest of the league people hiking, skiing, snow walking are a few activities they could enjoy. For not so fit people walking a few steps on not so steep foot of the glacier snow , snowman making, and walking around the visiting center, visiting reflection lake, sunset point could be some of the activities. I saw some old couple bringing the folding chairs and basking in the sun watching the scenic mountain while enjoying reading. The visitor center has a coffee shop, gift shop and gallery upstairs (there is an elevator too). On the main level, there goes the movie screening every 20 minutes giving the historical and geographical insightful details about this mount. Seasons to go: Round the year. During winters one must chain the tires to avoid slipping on the snow. During summers too this place has enough snow. April is my favorite time when there's no need to chain the vehicle and also the weather is not so cold. It looses the snow from foot around May and keeps loosing it up till August. What to wear: If you are an active person, wear water proof active clothing and carry hike poles, gloves, hiking shoes et al. Winters: Pack yourself in good warm clothes covering from head to toe, sometimes it gets windy too, so do pack some wind cheater clothing. Dress up in layers is the way to go. Summers: Light clothing if fine as the Sun is very close and it gets really hot. Whatever the season be, whatever you may choose to wear but do not forget to wear a good sunscreen here. A hat/cap/sunglasses may be also good to carry. Carry some water too if you are hiking. Also carry some fruit for energy. Some days there is no fee for visiting the Mt. Those days the Cafe is closed too. So if you want your dose of caffeine, carry it (your snacks too). It is a day trip destination for those who would not hike till the peak. For those who want to hike till peak should bring all equipments needed for hiking and temporary accommodation. The hike begins early in the morning, so they might as well stay in the nearby lodges night before the hike day. It gets colder in the night even in summers, so bring your warm clothing. The cell phone won't get network here so make all important calls at least 50 miles before reaching/after leaving the rainier visitor center.
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