Mountain's Out!
Best Places to See Mt. Rainier in Seattle Southside
When Mt. Rainier is visible, you can hear locals say cheerily to one another, "The Mountain's out!" When Mount Rainier, known as Tahoma to the native peoples of the region, makes its appearance to the southeast, you've got to know where to go to get the best look at it.
Luckily, we're spoiled for choice here in Seattle Southside, with tons of great spots to check out the view. Whether you want a more active experience or something more relaxing, you can find the view to fit your vibe. And you absolutely must find the view, because pictures do not do justice to the majesty, scale, and beauty that is Mount Rainier.
Why "The Mountain"?
Native Lushootseed speakers have several names for Mt. Rainier, including təqʷubəʔ, which has been anglicized as 'Tahoma', 'Tacoma', and 'Tacobet', and this is where the city of Tacoma gets its name from. The name means means "snow-covered mountain" and is an apt description for this beautiful stratovolcano which has a snow-capped peak year-round. But why do locals call it "The Mountain" when there are so many mountains around, and besides, it's a volcano and not just a mountain? While it's true that Mt. Rainier is technically a part of the Cascade Mountain range, it seems to stand apart from the rest of the range, looming close over the landscape. Because it seems to stand alone, it's become "The Mountain" in everyone's minds, as opposed to "the mountains" (emphasis on the plural) which is usually used to refer to the Cascades to the east, and less often to the Olympic range on the peninsula to the west across the waters of the Puget Sound.
Tahoma, or Mt. Rainier, is a symbol of the region and a beautiful sight, so much so that no matter how long you've lived in the area, seeing it come out is still a marvel worth commenting on, hence why you hear people say that the Mountain is out.
Where to See Mt. Rainier in Seattle Southside
Angle Lake Park
Beautiful Angle Lake Park is an idyllic spot near the airport where you can kick back, enjoy some planespotting, and take in a gorgeous view of The Mountain. No matter what time of year you're here, this is a fantastic park to visit. In the spring, enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. The lake and spray park here make for great ways to cool off from the heat if you're visiting us in the summer, and the autumn leaves in fall are glorious to behold. And in the winter, if we're lucky enough to get a snowfall, a walk alongside the cold lake with Mt. Rainier looming in the distance makes for a picturesque winter's walk.
Grandview Dog Park
Grandview Off-Leash Dog Park lives up to its name of being a grand view, offering sweeping views of the Kent Valley and beautiful Mount Rainier beyond. It's a great place to take your dog, with tons of space for them to get their zoomies out and frolick with other pups.
Robert Morris Earthwork
The Robert Morris Earthwork (Johnson Pit #30) was once nothing more than an abandoned industrial site, a gravel pit that scarred the hillside. But now, what was once waste has been transformed into a monumental work of art, serving as a sort of inverse of the beautiful mountain that looms in the distance. Learn more about the history behind this incredible installation.
Hotel Interurban
Hotel Interurban is way more than just a gorgeous view to behold—but the view is pretty stunning. Whether you're staying as a guest in their rooms, many of which offer this amazing view, or hosting an event in one of their spaces, you'll find your breath taken away every time you catch a glimpse of Tahoma's snowy peak.
Get Out On The Water
One of the best views of Mt. Rainier comes from the water, where you can see Mt. Rainier looming behind the city of Des Moines and its marina like a silent watchman. Whether you rent a kayak from the Des Moines Snack Shack or bring your own, you can get out on the water on a clear day and enjoy unparalleled views of the mountain. Didn't pack your kayak and don't want to rent? Pick one up from locally-based chains REI or Costco, both of which normally carry kayaks. You can also see the mountain wonderfully from many of the Washington State Ferry lines!
Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is known for their views of fantastic planes, but did you know you can also catch an out-of-this-world view of Mt. Rainier from The Tower at Boeing Field, which is a working air traffic control tower for the airfield located next to the museum. And if you're here for the week leading up to Seafair, you may even get a glimpse of the Blue Angels as they practice their show around the city, with a luckily-timed shot able to catch both one of these massive jets and The Mountain!
Doubletree Seattle Airport
The Doubletree by Hilton Seattle Airport has a lot to brag about: comfortable rooms, convenient location just across the street from the airport, and an absolutely incredible view of Mount Rainier. Many of their rooms offer this gorgeous view, but the best view is from the top floor.
Westfield Southcenter Food Court
A scenic view from a mall food court? Only in Seattle Southside. At Westfield Southcenter Mall's second-story food court, take in an impressive view of Tahoma along with your food court finds. Speaking of that food court, you can get an impressive array of food from Westfield Southcenter, from mall food staples to Filipino fried chicken at Jollibee to the newest addition, a long-awaited Shake Shack!
Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport
At the Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport, their top floor ballroom was once a rotating restaurant that offered unparalleled views of Mt. Rainier. While the top floor no longer rotates, you can still enjoy the view during events held there, or from many of their guest rooms. Located just across the street from both the airport and airport light rail station, the location can't be beat for convenience.
Mt. Rainier Webcam
Take a Look at Today's Most Recent Views
Description: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier from the West Cam. With its snow-capped summit and vast glaciers, Mount Rainier stands as a beacon of natural wonder.
Best Time to View: Early morning offers clear views of the mountain bathed in soft morning light, while sunset casts a warm pink glow over its slopes.
Highlights: Watch as the mountain changes with the seasons, from vibrant wildflower meadows in the summer to serene snowy landscapes in the winter. Keep an eye out for mountaineers attempting to summit this challenging peak.
Description: Embark on a virtual journey to the eastern side of Mount Rainier. This live webcam showcases a different perspective of the mountain, offering stunning views of its rugged terrain and dense forests.
Best Time to View: Early afternoon provides clear visibility, allowing you to marvel at the intricate network of hiking trails and pristine alpine lakes.
Highlights: Witness the play of light and shadow on the mountain's slopes as the sun moves across the sky. During autumn, admire the brilliant display of fall foliage that paints the surrounding landscape in vivid hues.
More Notable Mountain Sighting Spots
There are a few other places where Mount Rainier can be seen around Seattle Southside that offer a great view. First and foremost, as you're flying into or out of Seattle Tacoma International Airport, be sure to look out your window to see a top-down view of the Mountain you can't get anywhere else (unless you're a bird, of course). And if you're picking someone up from the airport, the Cell Phone Lot at the airport offers a surprisingly scenic view of Mount Rainier. A scenic drive along historic Military Road will also reveal multiple other locations from which you can spy Tahoma.
In fact, we encourage you to get out and explore the region. Some local favorite spots to take pictures of Mount Rainier are from the side of the road, tucked into driveways, and at the top of hills: spots that might not appear on the map, but which offer a breathtaking view nonetheless. Driving along both Military Road, mentioned above, and S. 178th Street offer these views. You'll be amazed by what you can see when The Mountain's out.
An image of Mt. Rainier taken from the Robert Morris Earthwork (Johnson Pit #30)
Mt. Rainier from an airplane flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with the colors of the sunset touching the sky.
Another angle of Mt. Rainier taken from an airplane flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with the colors of the sunset touching the darkening sky.
A group of people sit in the ballroom at a conference at the Crowne Plaza with a view of Mount Rainier behind them.
Mt. Rainier from a hill descending from SeaTac into Tukwila.
Mt. Rainier as seen from a hill overlooking Des Moines, WA, which sits in the foreground.
Mt. Rainier from a hilltop in Des Moines, WA.
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