Subalpine meadows at Paradise, Mount Rainier

What it is

Paradise is an area of open meadow at about 1,600 metres on the southern slope of Mount Rainier, a glacier-covered volcano in Washington State. It is one of the snowiest places on earth where snowfall is measured, and the ground is often not clear until July. The plants then have a few weeks to flower and seed. Avalanche lilies come up at the edge of the retreating snow, followed by lupine, magenta paintbrush, pasqueflower, bistort and asters. The peak is usually from late July to mid August. Paved and gravel trails loop up from the visitor centre.

Before you go

• Stay on the trails. These meadows take decades to recover from footprints.
• Arrive early. The car park fills on fine summer days and the park may require a timed entry.
• Snow can linger on trails into July. Check conditions at the visitor centre.

The flowers you will see

White avalanche-lilyA white-flowered lily blooming as the snow recedes in Pacific Northwest mountainsLupinTall, spiky-flowered legumes grown for gardens, food, and soil healthCastillejaWildflowers with bright bracts known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fireWhite pasqueflowerA spring-blooming wildflower with white or pale purple sepals

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