The subalpine elevation zone extends from 5,000 to 6,500 feet (1,524-1,981 meters) and is where Paradise and Sunrise are located. This zone transitions away from forested terrain into subalpine meadows. Clumps of mixed forest remain among the meadows, made up of primarily subalpine fir, mountain hemlock, Alaska yellow cedar, and white bark pine. There are many birds found here, especially in the summer when the meadows are lush with wildflowers, seeds, and insects. Over 80 square miles of Mount Rainier National Park has an elevation above 6,500 feet (1,981 meters). This final alpine zone is characterized by snowfields, glaciers, and bare rock outcrops. However, many specialized plant communities survive in these exposed areas. Wind also disperses insects and spiders onto snowfields and glaciers, providing food for numerous birds which visit the snowfield.
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