Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center - Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington - Googie Architecture on Waymarking.com

Long Description:
The Jackson Visitor Center, built in 1966, sits perched aside Mt. Rainier at the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park. Its shape is somewhat reminiscent of the mountain itself, and although it doesn't match the rustic styling of Paradise's other buildings, its grandness seems to fit the location. The roof sweeps up and in, creating a wonderful glassed in viewing area on the upper level. The center of the building has a huge circular fireplace on the top level and you can sit by the fireside with 360 degree views of the Mountain and park.

Currently a new visitor center is being built and upon its completion this building will sadly be demolished for additional parking. The design has not held up well to the snow loads that it endures over the winters, due to the gradual slope of the lower portion of the roof. The interior is very dated and the circular layout hasn't worked well as a visitor center to one of the busiest parks in the nation. I've visited the building regularly since childhood and will miss the "flying saucer" on the side of Mt. Rainier.

Type of Structure: Building Flying Saucer/Rocket Shape(s): yes If I knew, I'd be an architect: yes Physical Address: WA USA Upswept Roof / Folded Plate Roof(s): Not Listed Large Dome(s): Not Listed Large Sheet Glass Window(s): Not Listed Boomerang and/or Arrow Shape(s): Not Listed Amoebae Shape(s): Not Listed Atomic Model(s): Not Listed Starburst(s): Not Listed Exposed Steel Beam(s): Not Listed Web Address or URL: Not listed

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   7/11/2011 sagefemme visited it 6/21/2011 BONSAIRAD visited it 3/21/2011 Moun10Bike wrote comment for it 6/22/2009 FlipperFamily visited it 2/17/2008 S5280ft visited it 7/23/2007 Hikenutty visited it 4/9/2005 ArmyFamily4 visited it

View all visits/logs