Glaciated surfaces show evidence of abrasion and plucking to form roches moutonnes. Nisqually Glacier flows down the southern side of the mountain. Emmons Glacier, the largest in the park, originates at the summit and descends to the White River. Columnar basalt forms as lava flows cool and contract. Here the polygonal ends of columns are visible in a basalt flow on a slope Much of the volcanic rock of Mt. Rainier is andesite - intermediate in composition.
Climbers trail up the side of Mt. Rainier in the Sunrise area .
This model shows the south side of the mountain. The Paradise flower fields add color to the majestic scene.