Mountain Memories: Stevens-Van Trump Monument

Along the Skyline Trail at Paradise is a rock bench that serves as a monument to the first known ascent of Mount Rainier. Stones attached to the bench are carved with words reading “Site of the camp from which General Hazard Stevens and PB Van Trump made the ascent of this mountain 17 August 1870,” “Sluiskin Indian Guide waited here for the climbers to return,” “Place identified by General Hazard Stevens 17 August 1915,” “Erected by the Mountaineers and the Mazamas 1924.” It is in the shape of a bench so that those sitting can take in the view of Mount Rainier and imagine the route of the early climbers. The exact date of when this archive footage was filmed is unknown, as is the identity of the person in the footage, but is believed to be from the 1930s. The monument continues to exist today. Mount Rainier National Park Archives Footage (mora_24622). No audio. Available with audio description at https://go.nps.gov/MMem-StevensVanTru...