Mount Rainer has a permanent ice cap and extensive snow fields,which hive rise to more than forty glaciers. These feed swift streams and tumbling waterfalls that race through the glacial valleys. Forests extend to 4,500 feet. There are alpine meadows between the glaciers and the forests,which contain beautiful wild flowers. The Nisqually Glacier is probably the ice region that is most often explored by visitors. Paradise Valley, where hotel accommodations are available, perches on the mountains slope at 5,400 feet. The wonderland Trail encircles the mountain. Its 90-mile length can be covered in about a week's time