Chanpreya T
University of Washington

Mount Rainier is the grandest mountain of them all in Washington State. It is the most beautiful to look and hike upon, but it is also one of the most dangerous mountains around the Seattle area. You must remember that under all the beauty there is over fourteen thousand feet of rocks and lava, waiting to explode at any time.

As the clouds clear up and the sun comes out, the white powder of snow lies on top of the mountain like a white sheet over a rounded pyramid with rough sides. At the base, the trees stand tall and the clouds sit waiting for the sun to set. As the sun disappears, the clouds attack this enormous mountain and cover it with white and gray clouds of smoke.

Once on the mountain you can find a diverse color of leaves on many trees, depending on the season. The trees grow toward the sky as if they were trying to reach the sun at day and the moon at night. A tree trunk, which crawls out onto the trails and streams, creates an arm rest making it look and feel like a chair. As the temperature rises, the snow melts and it creates a small clear stream that carves down the mountain.

Many hiking trails start from level ground and gradually go up. It feels as if you are on an elevated treadmill. As you hike, the sun rays beat on you and sweat breaks out and runs down your face. You will get especially sweaty if you come with your family because it will be like a walk-a-thon. You feel a sense of power, once you reach your destination.

Although the beauty and long hikes of the mountain are what people mostly know about, it is important to remember that a volcano lies underneath it all. No one seems to remember that it's created from a volcano that could erupt like Mount St. Helen's, but even stronger. Hikers and spectators who know that it is a volcano, however are willing to take the challenge that Mount Rainier presents to them.

So if you were to come to Seattle, you must experience what Mount Rainier has to offer. Although it is a little risky, once you get there and see the scenery you will never forget Mount Rainier in your mind. If other people are risking their lives to see it maybe you should too.