The Snowiest Place In The Continental U S Is Like Something From A Dream

There’s something about snow that can bring out child-like wonder in just about everyone. Whether it’s the gentleness of falling snowflakes, the quiet calm of a snowy landscape, or the feeling of being in a winter wonderland, this experience is truly a magical one. With that in mind, we’re venturing to the snowiest place in the continental U.S. to get a full dose of winter magic. Here’s more on Paradise, a picturesque area of Mt. Rainier, Washington.

As the tallest point in Washington State, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Mt. Rainier would have an impressive amount of annual snowfall. Yet, it’s nearly impossible to comprehend JUST how snowy this corner of the Cascade Mountains is.

Joe Parks/flickr

Specifically, it’s the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier that experiences that brunt of the snowfall.

Al Fischer/flickr

Situated on the southern face of the slope at an altitude of 5,400 feet, this area receives an average annual snowfall of 53 feet.

turcottes78/flickr

At one point, Paradise held the world record for the largest amount of snowfall in a single year. In 1971 - 1972, the area recorded a whopping 93.5 feet.

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The reason for the heavy snowfall results in several factors. The Gulf of Alaska to the west creates huge storms that are carried eastward by low-pressure systems.

Eugene Kogan/flickr

Snowfall is recorded at the Paradise Weather Station, which also records footage of the snow.

Peter Stevens/flickr

So if you’re feeling deprived of true winter weather, you may consider a trip to one of the snowiest places in the continental U.S. Just don’t forget your snowshoes!

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Have you ever been to the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier? Be sure to share your experiences there with us!