Mount Rainier

"Located in Washington, this park is famous for its towering volcanic peak, Mount Rainier, surrounded by subalpine wildflower meadows and ancient forests. It offers hiking, climbing, and scenic drives." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'

"Mount Rainier National Park is an iconic location with an active volcano and offers over 260 miles of maintained trails through ancient fern-filled woodlands and glacial lakes surrounded by conifer forests. Wildflowers sprawl out below the volcano's peak, and it is a premier destination for backpackers, day hikers, and backcountry campers."

"One of the country's oldest national parks, Mount Rainier is an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. Visitors enjoy the park year round, with snow sports in winter and hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and bicycling during July and August. More than 260 miles of maintained hiking trails through forests, river valleys, meadows and along streams offer views of wildflowers in summer and glaciers year round." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"On clear days—"when the mountains are out," as locals say—this steep, ice-gilded volcano dominates Seattle’s horizon. In fact, the peak is 90 miles southeast of the metropolitan area. You can see lush green forests blanketing about60 percent of Mount Rainier National Park, while the rest is covered in meadows, alpine heather, and the densest patch of glaciers in the contiguous United States. Easygoing hikers like to explore the wildflower meadows near the 1916 Paradise Inn, which transform into prime terrain for sledding, snowshoeing, and igloo-building come winter. Prefer the thrill of downhill? Head to Crystal Mountain, just northeast of Rainier, where the state's first ski gondola still serves its most elevated restaurant."

"The park features shades of gold, amber, and crimson from maple, elderberry, aspen, willow, and tamarack trees beginning in late September." - Travel + Leisure Editors