History & Culture

Men playing golf in subalpine meadows with Mount Rainier looming in the background
Mount Rainier History

Discover the storied human history of the mountain!

Two stone arrowheads on a white backgroun with a ruler below
Archaeology

Archaeologists at Mount Rainier study human use on the mountain spanning at least 9,000 years!

A stone building on a rocky mountainside
History Resources and Publications

Articles and publications about Mount Rainier history.

A large wood building with a shingle roof, gabled windows, stone fireplace and large parking lot.
Mount Rainier Historic Landmark District

The National Historic Landmark District encompasses all of the park roads, historic developed areas, and historic backcountry structures.

Two old cars on a forested road with Mount Rainier in the background
Archives and Collections

Museum collections, artifacts, archives, and other history resources.

A large wood bowl filled with red and blue berries.
Associated Tribes of Mount Rainier

The land within Mount Rainier National Park has historical, cultural, and spiritual meanings to many Native Americans.

Historic photo of two women holding walking staffs standing on a steep snowy slope.
Dear Aunt Mamie

Jessie May Carson's personal letter of her 1908 adventures and summit climb by one of the first women to climb Mount Rainier in a day.

 
 

Artifacts from the mountain's history

Explore Mount Rainier National Park's history through some of the artifacts preserved in the park's archives. For the best viewing experience, click on "View full screen" in the lower left corner.
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Last updated: January 30, 2025

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55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Phone:

360 569-2211

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