Mount Rainier | U.S. Geological Survey
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Mount Rainier
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Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the Cascade Range at 4,392m (14,410 ft), forms a dramatic backdrop to the Puget Sound region.
Quick Facts
Location:
Washington, Pierce County
Latitude:
46.853° N
Longitude:
121.76° W
Elevation:
4,392 (m) 14,410 (f)
Volcano type:
Stratovolcano
Composition:
Andesite to Dacite
Most recent eruption:
about 1,000 years ago
Nearby towns:
Orting, Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima
Threat Potential:
Very High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
Summary
During an eruption 5,600 years ago the once-higher edifice of Mount Rainier collapsed to form a large crater open to the northeast much like that at Mount St. Helens after 1980. Ensuing eruptions rebuilt the summit, filling the large collapse crater. Large lahars (volcanic mudflows) from eruptions and from collapses of this massive, heavily glaciated andesitic volcano have reached as far as the Puget Sound lowlands. Since the last ice age, several dozen explosive
eruptions spread tephra (ash, pumice) across parts of Washington. The last magmatic eruption was about 1,000 years ago. Extensive hydrothermal alteration of the upper portion of the volcano has contributed to its structural weakness promoting collapse. An active thermal system driven by magma deep under the volcano has melted out a labyrinth of steam caves beneath the summit icecap.
Gas monitoring helps tell the story at Mount Rainier.
August 18, 2025
Gas monitoring helps tell the story at Mount Rainier.
Monitoring stations detect small magnitude earthquakes at Mount Rainier during July and August 2025
July 8, 2025
Monitoring stations detect small magnitude earthquakes at Mount Rainier during July and August 2025
Preparing for volcano hazards: Where is the world’s largest lahar evacuation drill held?
April 25, 2024
Preparing for volcano hazards: Where is the world’s largest lahar evacuation drill held?
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October 22, 2018
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
When erupting, all volcanoes pose a degree of risk to people and infrastructure, however, the risks are not equivalent from one volcano to another because of differences in eruptive style and geographic location. Assessing the relative threats posed by U.S. volcanoes identifies which volcanoes warrant the greatest risk-mitigation efforts by the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners...
Authors
John W. Ewert, Angela K. Diefenbach, David W. Ramsey
By
Volcano Hazards Program
Volcano Science Center
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Blue Lake Crater
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Weekly Update
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Yellowstone
Zealandia Bank
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November 8, 2023
Mount Rainier Hosts Three Hydrothermal Monitoring Sites
Hydrothermal monitoring at Mount Rainier.
By
Cascades Volcano Observatory
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier Hosts Three Hydrothermal Monitoring Sites
November 8, 2023
Mount Rainier Hosts Three Hydrothermal Monitoring Sites
Hydrothermal monitoring at Mount Rainier.
November 8, 2023
Maintaining Monitoring Equipment on Mount Rainier
U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) regularly perform repairs, upgrades, and maintenance on the monitoring equipment on Mount Rainier.
By
Cascades Volcano Observatory
Mount Rainier
Maintaining Monitoring Equipment on Mount Rainier
November 8, 2023
Maintaining Monitoring Equipment on Mount Rainier
U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) regularly perform repairs, upgrades, and maintenance on the monitoring equipment on Mount Rainier.
November 8, 2023
Monitoring Lahars at Mount Rainier
The greatest potential volcanic hazard at Mount Rainier is a lahar, also known as a volcanic mudflow.
By
Cascades Volcano Observatory
Mount Rainier
Monitoring Lahars at Mount Rainier
November 8, 2023
Monitoring Lahars at Mount Rainier
The greatest potential volcanic hazard at Mount Rainier is a lahar, also known as a volcanic mudflow.
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Quick Facts
Location:
Washington, Pierce County
Latitude:
46.853° N
Longitude:
121.76° W
Elevation:
4,392 (m) 14,410 (f)
Volcano type:
Stratovolcano
Composition:
Andesite to Dacite
Most recent eruption:
about 1,000 years ago
Nearby towns:
Orting, Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima
Threat Potential:
Very High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
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