Nisqually Vista Trail - Mount Rainier National Park

 

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Rugged glaciers radiate from the summit and slopes of Mount Rainier, its Pacific maritime climate—changeable mountain weather, like our intermittent rain on June 28— characterized by rainy, mild winters & cool, dry summers. Nisqually Glacier feeds the Nisqually River, named for the Native American tribe in its valley. Mt. Rainier's most potent and conspicuous geologic features include its glaciers. The main Nisqually glacial valley eroded deeper than its tributary valleys, thus left "hanging" as the glaciers recede: our Ranger guide, Ian, explained dynamic facets of the geologic and climatic forces continually shaping Mt. Rainier. We traversed the 1.2 mile loop trail (200' elevation gain) over slippery snow to see Nisqually Glacier, one of Mount Rainier's most accessible glaciers—yes, Joe & I fell (& fell).

 

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