Cowlitz Glacier

The Cowlitz Glacier spans 1.3 square miles on Mount Rainier's southeast flank, flowing southeast toward the Cowlitz River at an elevation of 10,700 feet.

During the last glacial period 35,000 years ago, the combined Cowlitz and Ingraham glaciers extended 62 miles from Mount Rainier before retreating north.

The glacier bears the name of the Cowlitz people, an indigenous tribe of Mount Rainier, whose name first appeared in Lewis and Clark journals of 1805.

Visitors can observe the glacier from Panorama Point, along the Skyline Trail, or at the Backbone Ridge pullout on Stevens Canyon Road.

A dark streak of rocky debris forms a medial moraine in the center where Cowlitz Glacier merges with Ingraham Glacier at Cathedral Rock.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 46.83060,-121.71700

Latest update: March 14, 2025 09:03