Excerpted from Thru Hiker's Guide to America by E. Schlimmer
REMAINING GLACIERS
Possibly due to the rise in global temperature, glaciers all over the world are disappearing, including most of the ones located in the Pacific Northwest. But some giants remain on Rainier, including the Nisqually, Ingraham, Emmons, and Winthrop glaciers.
SIGNS OF MUD FLOWS
These destructive flows can be a fifteen-foot wall of mud, water, boulders, and other debris moving downhill faster than you can run. Keep your eyes peeled for these and other signs of Rainier's past life as an active volcano.
FLOWER HUNTING
The large meadows of Indian Henry's Hunting Ground are renowned for their dramatic wildflower displays. From mid-July to late August you'll be dazzled by colorful lupine, paintbrush, mountain asters, and columbine. In September and October, this area comes alive with fall colors.
POINT AND CLICK
From the Reflection Lakes area, you'll be treated to a spectacular whole-mountain view. (That is, if you can see anything. This area is prone to dense fog, even in summer.) The image of Rainier's peak mirrored in these lakes is manna for photographers.
Article © McGraw-Hill. All rights reserved.
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