When the Skunk Cabbage starts growing we know that spring has arrived at Mount Rainier! Though much of the park is still covered in snow, the Skunk Cabbage's bright yellow flower is easily recognizable in the park's wet lowlands.
Stroll along the Trail of Shadows and discover the hidden Longmire Meadow. This meadow is a unique oasis amidst Mount Rainier's lowland forests, providing sanctuary to birds and other wildlife.
The road to Sunrise is known for its spectacular vistas and viewpoints, but can also be a great way to see a variety of wildflowers. Limited by a short growing season, these wildflowers display a kaleidoscope of colors to quickly attract insects for pollination and reproduction.
The Carbon area of Mount Rainier receives more rainfall than any other area of the park, creating a distinct forest ecosystem. However, early Fall can be a great time of the year to experience the forest at Carbon without having to experience the rain at Carbon.
How do we help keep subalpine meadows thriving? Learn more about the Ecological Restoration program through this video.
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Wildflower Videos
Short video clips featuring Mount Rainier's blooming meadows.
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Did You Know?
Floyd Schmoe was Mount Rainier's first full-time Park Naturalist. In 1923, he launched the park's "Nature Notes", a series of writings on various park-related topics. There are hundreds of editions of the notes in the park's collection, all of which are accessible through the Mount Rainier History & Culture webpage:
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Ecological Restoration
Wildflower Videos
