Mt. Rainier is to Seattle what Mt. Fuji is to Japan. Or Machhapuchhre is to Pokhara. It looms large on the skyline of the city. It juts out from the horizon like a long pointy pimple on an otherwise clear forehead.
It's quite large, compared to the other mountain range visible from the city. Of all the cities and places I've been to where mountains are visible from, this is probably one of the largest, of the big cities. If you're in Ghandruk, yeah you'll find that the mountains basically cover half your horizon. But it's a tourist hillstation. It's not a place where industry and commerce happens. Seattle is. It's a major city with a major personal relationship with one singular mountain.
What I am a little saddened about the mountain and the city is that it appears that the city does not loom large in city's cultural consciousness, it's awareness, as much as other mountains appear in their cities. Mt. Fuji is universally beloved, a religious-spiritual experience. Rainier seems not to be, it appears to be just another place people with an interest in hiking go. That's not a big deal, but the mountain and the city could have such better relation if things were just a bit different.
In any case, if I were to live in Seattle, a nice view of Mt. Rainier would be on the highest priorities for me. Not necessarily from right outside the window, but from the roof.
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