93-miles Mount Rainier is a stratovolcano in Pierce County, Washington, located 54 miles (87 km) southeast of Seattle, Washington, in the United States. It is the highest peak in the Cascade Range, with a topographical summit of 14,411 feet (4,392 m). The mountain and the surrounding area comprise Mount Rainier National Park. With 26 major glaciers, Mount Rainier is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states at 35 square miles of snow and glaciers. Heat from the volcano keeps areas of the crater rim on its summit cone mostly free of snow and ice. The geothermal heat has also caused the formation of glacier caves in the twin summit craters. Mount Rainier was originally known as Talol or Tahoma (not to be confused with Tacoma), from the Puyallup word ("mother of waters"). It has a topographic prominence of 13,211 feet (4,026 m), greater than that of K2. It can be seen prominently to the south from most of the Seattle Metropolitan Area. On clear days, it can also be seen from as far away as Portland, Oregon. Because of its scenic dominance, Seattle/Tacoma-area residents often refer to it simply as "the Mountain." [1] Mountain climbing on Mount Rainier is difficult. It includes climbing on the largest glaciers in the U.S. south of Alaska and most climbers require two to three days to reach the summit, with weather and conditioning being the most common reasons for failure. Climbing teams require experience in glacier travel, self-rescue, and wilderness travel. About 8,000 - 13,000 people attempt the climb each year [2], about 90% via routes from Camp Muir on the southwest flank. Most of the rest ascend Emmons Glacier via Camp Schurman on the northeast. About half of the attempts are successful. About two to three mountaineering deaths each year occur due to rock and ice fall, avalanche, falls, and hypothermia associated with severe weather. Hiking, photography, and camping are very popular in the park. There are several hiking trails, including the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile circumnavigation of the peak. Mount Rainier is also popular for winter sports, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.