Mount Rainier seems to be everywhere in Washington State. Right in our backyard, this iconic volcano emblazons our license plates, scenic calendars and is the unofficial symbol of the Evergreen State. While most of us explore the majestic mountain in the summer months, winters on Mount Rainier are full of incredible experiences and stories found nowhere else in the world. This winter, as the cold, dark days slowly heat up and get brighter, take a few minutes and discover something new about the mountain we know and love. From world record snowfall to incredible stories of a plane landing near the summit, and everything in between, this list will have you looking at Rainier in a whole new light.
Snowfall Records
Mount Rainier has been tracking snowfall data at Paradise since the winter of 1920-21, missing snowfall amounts only for WWII and seven years in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In the time of measuring, the Paradise region of the mountain receives an average of 640 inches, or 53.3 feet of snow a year. The most snow received here was during the winter of 1971-72, when a staggering 1,122 inches fell. This was a world record for measurable snowfall in a year until nearby Mount Baker received 1,140 inches in the 1998-99 season. In 2014-15, the region experienced their lowest snowfall in recorded history, getting just 266 inches the entire winter.
Skiing History
Mount Rainier gets its fair share of winter skiers once the snow starts to fall. While today’s skiers consider themselves lucky to be able to recreate and enjoy the day on the wild slopes of the volcano, skiers in 1935 were there for a different reason. On April 13 and 14, 1935, the National Championships and Olympic tryouts in downhill and slalom racing were held at Paradise on Mount Rainier. Skiing was relatively new to the Olympic Games, having only been introduced in 1924. The course at Paradise was like Mount Rainier, impressive – the downhill course was one and three-quarters of a mile long, dropping an insane distance at the time, 3,280 feet. The ski trials at Mount Rainier started a desire to install chairlifts at Paradise, but the harsh weather and other challenges became too much of a challenge, eventually leading to the creation of Crystal Mountain Resort nearby.
Mountaineering Firsts
The first winter ascent of Mount Rainier was in February of 1922 by Jean and Jacques Landry, Jacques Bergues and cameraman Charles Perryman. While today hundreds summit this mountain, the first winter ascent was something truly amazing. Dealing with deep snow and hidden glaciers, not to mention sketchy gear, these four climbers made history and even filmed their experience. The film was unknown until 2003 and was released in 2011. For those curious about the first summit, it occurred on August 17, 1870 by P.B. Van Trump and Hazard Stevens, whose dad was the first appointed Governor of Washington Territory.
The April, 1951 Plane Incident
In April of 1951, the eyes of the nation were on Mount Rainier for a different reason. John W. Hodgkin, a U.S. Air Force lieutenant, decided it would be fun to land his plane near the summit of the mountain. His plane was lightweight and had snow landing equipment on it, so he landed on a saddle near the summit and took some pictures. The maneuverer was against the wishes of many of his fellow servicemen, but the call to land on Rainier was too much. All would have been ok, except that when he tried to leave, his aircraft failed to start. Forced to spend the night, Hodgkins tried to sleep as a rescue party was being organized. The next day, supposedly unaware that the rescue party was coming, John did the unthinkable. He turned the plane so it was facing downhill and started sliding down the mountain. As he gained speed, the plane flew off an edge and he caught an updraft. He then glided the plane to Lake Mowich, where the plane was repaired, allowing him to fly back to the field at Spanaway.
Visiting Rainier in the Winter
Mount Rainier averages nearly two million visitors a year, with the majority coming during the summer months, when the entire park is open. Once the snow falls, roads around the park close and people tend to stay away. In 2016, one million, nine hundred thousand people explored the park, with just 97,396 of those coming during the winter months. Incredibly, during the winter of 2015-16, 4,151 backcountry permits were issued by the park service, given to hearty adventurers searching for climbing, hiking and camping experiences in the snow. Most who visit the park in the winter will enjoy the snow, cross country ski or take a snowshoe trek on their own, or with a ranger. The park also has a sledding area for families when enough snow has fallen. Remember that during the winter, all vehicles are required to carry chains.
