The Many Hats of Mount Rainier

 

Mount Rainier (elevation 14,411 feet) in Washington is so immense it often creates its own mini weather system, including clouds and precipitation. The following images of the (stratovolcano) mountain were taken during our recent vacation to the Cascades in Washington and Oregon. Above, Rainier sports a cap cloud as seen from the Suntop Lookout to its northeast on Tuesday, August 27, 2025. The cap cloud resembles a ring or aura, obscuring its summit. 

Similar closeup of the cap cloud, also captured from Suntop Lookout.

Mount Rainier, with its "head in the clouds," as seen from the Mount Fremont Lookout structure also on August 27, and also located northeast of the mountain. This is a common appearance of Mount Rainier.

Wednesday, August 28. Much less common appearance, and us being in the right place at the right time. A nearly cloud free moment at Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park. 

August 28 Skyline Trail view of Rainier. Transient clouds resemble smoke blowing of summit. 

Skyline Trail. Summit obscured by a line of fast moving clouds. iPhone 11 camera.

Also Skyline Trail. Another moment of limited cloud cover. Of all mountains I have seen in my lifetime, Mount Rainier may be the most majestic. Nikon Z6ii camera.