We've not been to many active volcanoes but we're confident that this is by far the most beautiful and enticing to explore. Coming in as the most glaciated peak in the contiguous USA, you can see this beauty from Seattle city center on a clear day but we recommend seeing it from up close. We'll always hold our memories of Rainier's sweeping meadows filled with wildflowers and babbling creeks in the closest parts of our hearts and we loved exploring the Grove of the Patriarchs. Visiting this National Park was truly an other worldly experience that we recommend to EVERYONE who is willing and able. Go during the late Summer months to capture wildflower season, or consider a snowshoe hike during the Winter. Gosh, we just LOVE this place.