The shortest hiking route is 16 miles round trip and involves a 9,000 foot vertical climb. It's little wonder. Many photos link it with nearby Mount St. Helens.
Steam still explodes from vents on the peak. .
When I started this site in 1995, I was very disappointed that the peak in the Land of Bill was so poorly electronically recorded. Now, it seems a spectacular Rainier homage sprouts every couple weeks. Do pay a visit to them. They are worth it. I have only scouted Rainier in 1985 while visiting my brother in Seatle after a 6-week heart ailment hospital stay awakened my sleeping passion to climb the highest points.before I die.