2/3                                                   Mount Rainier National Park was established in 1899. It covers an area of 378 square miles and ranges in elevation from the Carbon river rain forest at 1,880 feet above sea level, to the 14,411 foot peak of the mountain. Douglas fir, western hemlock and red cedar forests surround it. Meadow flowers bloom in July and tiny alpine plants cover the tundra above the tree line in August. In September, colours begin to turn autumnal and berries attract the abundant wildlife.