Last updated: May 13, 2020
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Mount Rainier Yoga
Two million people come to Mount Rainier each year for the rivers, forests, wildlife, and amazing views at Mount Rainier. Many come here to connect with nature and enjoy the peacefulness of this wild place.
Since it’s not always possible to be at Mount Rainier, we came up with some nature-inspired yoga poses so that the mountain can help you relax wherever you are. Pro-tip: head outside to do these poses if you can.
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Erupting Volcano Pose
Did you know Mount Rainier is an active volcano? During the past 500,000 years this volcano has erupted multiple times, each eruption adding a layer of new rock on the mountain. Learn more!
Pose: Stand tall like mountain, feet planted on the ground, and lift your arms up above your body like a volcanic eruption!
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Mountain Pose
Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in the state of Washington at 14,410 ft. It towers over the other mountains in the Cascade Range. Learn more!
Pose: Stand as tall as you possibly can, just like Mount Rainier!
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Tree Pose
There are a wide variety of trees found at Mount Rainier. Some are evergreen conifers with needles and pine cones, others are deciduous with leaves that fall every autumn. Learn more!
Pose: Stand tall like a tree, raise one leg, bend at the knee and place the bottom of your foot on the inside of your other leg. Once you find your balance, lift your arms above your head like tree branches!
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Fisher Warrior Pose
Fishers are fierce warriors. They are brave enough to hunt porcupines, and tough enough to survive the long winters of Mount Rainier. They were close to becoming extinct due to over-trapping for their fur, but with the help of scientists they bounced back! Learn more!
Pose: Stand with one leg in front of you with the knee bent, and the back leg straight with your toes out. Spread your arms out parallel to your legs and look past the leg with the bent knee with your warrior face on.
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Sleepy Fox Pose
The Cascade Red Fox is one of the many animals that live at Mount Rainier. During the winter they sleep coiled up in burrows dug under the snow, using their tail to keep their nose warm. When they wake up, they stretch their body. Learn more!
Pose: By standing on all fours, put your “tail” in the air, bring your head down to their forearms, while making your back as long as possible. Can you stretch like a sleepy fox?
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Elk Pose
Elk are related to deer. Every year the males grow antlers to attract the female elk. Antlers can be really heavy, up to 30 pounds! Elk have strong neck muscles to help them hold their head up and carry the antlers. Learn more!
Pose: Kneel on all fours, looking straight ahead. Then arch your back, lifting your head back to do elk pose. Switch back and forth from Mountain Lion to Elk pose.
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Mountain Lion Pose
Mountain Lions are predators; that means that they hunt other animals for food. One of the animals they hunt in the park are elk. This is all part of a balanced food web! Learn more!
Pose: Kneel on all fours, looking straight ahead. Hunch your back and bring your head in closer to your arms to do mountain lion pose.
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Feel the Earth Pose
The ground under Mount Rainier is constantly moving. Sometimes we feel the ground shaking, but other times the movement is so small that we need machines in order to notice. Scientist use seismographs to detect any shaking of the earth or earthquakes. This is important because earthquakes could be a clue for volcanic activity. Learn more!
Pose: Lay flat on the ground, with arms to your sides and be as still as possible. Can you feel the ground moving underneath you?