Memorial Day 5/27/2019

Ski tracks with Mount Rainier in the background

Memorial Day

A day of remembrance. This holiday, originally known as Decoration Day, was created after the Civil War. Following World War II, the holiday gained favor from the public and was renamed Memorial Day in 1967.  This three day weekend is the unofficial beginning of the summer climbing season on Mount Rainier and mixes in a time for reflection with a change of the season.

View down the Winthrop Glacier

The climbing ranger staff takes time this weekend to remember our own rangers who have left us.  Phil Otis and Sean Ryan lost their lives during an overnight rescue on the Winthrop Glacier on Mount Rainier in 1995.  Nick Hall lost his life during an upper mountain rescue on the Emmons Glacier in 2012.  A Valor Memorial was constructed in Longmire to honor rangers who lost their lives at Mount Rainier while in the act of saving or rescuing others. The memorial can be found across the Nisqually River from Longmire, near the Community Building.

Winthrop Glacier with a view of the Puget Sound in the background

Wherever you find yourself this Memorial Day Weekend, take a moment to reflect.  The landscape and views around Mount Rainier can offer insight and perspective to memories, and hopefully be a place to create new ones full of wonder and awe.  

If Mount Rainier is your destination remember to check the local forecast and park website for  road openings. This can be a busy time of year for park visitation and entrance stations are working hard to keep traffic lines to a minimum. Park Webcams are another good way to see current conditions. Have fun, say safe, and be kind to your neighbor.