Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is in Washington's Cascade Range, about two hours from Seattle. Its centerpiece is a 14,410 foot active volcano rising more than 13,000 feet straight out of the surrounding lowlands, the most prominent peak in the Lower 48, and on clear days it fills the horizon south of Seattle. Paradise, on the mountain's south side, sits in wildflower meadows famous for their summer displays. Best season is summer: the meadows hit peak bloom from mid July to early August.

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Why this one matters

From Paradise, an ordinary day hiker can walk on snow in the middle of summer: the Skyline Trail climbs through wildflower meadows to Panorama Point, crossing snowfields that linger into August with the glacier covered summit towering above. The real summit is a serious glacier climb requiring training and permits, which is what makes this easy taste of the snow zone so unusual. In winter, the same slopes turn into a snowshoe and snow play area.

Mount Rainier National Park

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