On approach to the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, the plane descends toward very pleasant, forested lowlands broken by rolling hills, although honestly one is more likely to see little more than low-lying clouds. Many passengers are shutting down computers, some are refreshing their makeup, and some are simply daydreaming. A casual glance out the plane window can generate loud expletives from first-time visitors – as Mount Rainier suddenly looms above or just beside the plane. This massive volcano rises 14,409 feet above sea level and 8,000 feet above the mountains at its base; on clear days it simply dominates the horizon from southern Washington to the Canadian border. Many homes and institutions within the Seattle–Tacoma area are oriented to hold this impressive mountain in full view. The much-vaunted corner office is a particular prize if the building was designed with this local gem in mind.

Mount Rainier has always generated awe and respect. Native Americans of Puget Sound called the mountain Tahoma (variously translated as “snowy mountain” and “the mountain that was God”). In 1792, the British Vancouver expedition was the first to describe “a round, snowy mountain,” which subsequently was named for Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. In 1845, Captain J. C. Fremont was the first European to recognize Rainier as a volcano.