FEATURES OF THE FLORA OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK. 
By J. B. Flett. 
GENERAL STATEMENT. 
Ill a general treatment of the flora of Mount Rainier National Park 
we must bear in mincl the fact that the mountain is located near the 
center of the park and that the park extends down into the dense 
forest, thus -giving a varied and extensive flora. 
For convenience the park may be divided into five zones: 
1. The lower area near the boundary, between elevations of 2,000 
and 2,800 feet, is composed of wide river valleys covered with large 
trees around which are woven masses of moss, liverworts, lichens, 
and ferns. These plants also form a beautiful cover for the forest 
floor. 
2. The upper forest region between elevations of 2,800 and 4,000 
feet is characterized by trees covered with gray hanging forms of 
lichens, smaller trees, and a gradual transition to alpine types. 
3. Between 4,000 and 5,500 feet trees are found in groups distinctly 
alpine alternating with grassy meadows. 
4. From 5,500 feet to timber line. 
5. Rocky ridges and pumice fields above timber line. 
THE FIRST ZONE. 
The first of these zones begins at about an altitude of 2,000 feet, 
which is the altitude of the river valleys. These valleys, which radi¬ 
ate from the mountain, are of glacial origin. They are broad at their 
lower ends, but as they approach the mountain they become more 
narrow and their sides are more precipitous. Aside from their shape 
the thing that strikes the careful observer is the splendid forest of 
large trees and the odd forms of plant life which form the beautiful 
forest cover. These two conditions are nowhere seen to better 
advantage. 
The principal tree m these valleys near the park boundary is the 
Douglas fir, a well known tree, as it is the most common and the 
most valuable tree in the Puget Sound region. 1 The stranger may 
1 The forest trees are described in a publication entitled “ Forests of Mount Rainier National Park,” 
which may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Wash¬ 
ington, D. C., for 20 cents. 
8215°—16-1 
1 
