FT 2 - SOLD OUT - Mount Rainier National Park: An Icon on the Horizon

Trip Overview
Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous USA, spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. On the drive from Portland, organizers will give brief talks about the history and setting of Mount Rainier National Park (founded in 1899, prior to the establishment of the National Park Service), highlight key ecological research and long-term monitoring programs, and discuss how researchers can initiate new projects. We will travel to Sunrise, located on the eastside of the park and spend the day discussing a wide range of research including topics on whitebark pine monitoring, glacier change, visitor use and meadow restoration, water quality and supply, wildlife, and climate change while hiking in subalpine meadows with spectacular views of the mountain and glaciers. At an elevation of 6,400 feet, Sunrise is the highest point that can be reached by vehicle at Mount Rainier National Park. On clear summer days, Sunrise provides breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Emmons glacier, vibrant wildflower meadows, butterflies, songbirds, amphibians, and subalpine mammals. Sunrise Point offers nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, Mount Rainier, and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range such as Mount Adams and Mount St Helens. The Sunrise Visitor Center offers exhibits, guided interpretive programs, book sales, and a picnic area. There is a gift shop available at the Sunrise Day Lodge.

Equipment and Attire
Participants should be prepared for a cool morning and warm afternoon, rain is always a possibility. Clothing layers are key in the mountains. Lightweight pants (or shorts), short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, a lightweight jacket and rain jacket, tennis shoes or hiking boots are appropriate. The trip will include hikes along dirt trails that have a few relatively short inclines and options for afternoon hikes vary from easy, moderate to difficult. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. Binoculars and cameras are definitely worth bringing along. Biting insects are few but may be present.

Field Trip Fee is $100 per person. This trip is currently sold out.