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Mount Rainier · sunset glow

Is Mount Rainier going to glow at sunset tonight?

Alpenglow happens when low-angle sunlight lights up a mountain summit after the valley below has gone dark. It needs a clear summit and clear sky toward the setting sun.

Where to photograph Mount Rainier

These viewpoints offer views of Mount Rainier, with distances measured from Seattle.

This is a weather-based forecast, and a visible summit glow is never certain.

The app

Mountain Visibility

Get the Mountain Visibility Forecast app for $1.99 to check summit visibility hour by hour.

Get the app, $1.99 On Android? Get it on Google Play.

Is Mount Rainier out right now?

Questions

What causes Mount Rainier to glow pink at sunset?

Low-angle sunlight travels through more atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths and leaving more red and orange light to reach the summit.

Can Mount Rainier glow when it is cloudy?

Yes, if the summit and the sky toward the setting sun remain clear enough for sunlight to reach the mountain.

Does a Great glow forecast guarantee sunset color?

No. Cloud conditions can change before sunset, and even a clear summit does not guarantee visible alpenglow.

Forecast from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0). Observations from NOAA aviation weather. Times are local to Mount Rainier.
Gear for the view

Our pick for binoculars: Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 on Amazon

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