Paradise Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paradise Glacier |
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Paradise Glacier, viewed from the south
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Mount Rainier, Pierce County, Washington, USA |
| Coordinates | 46°49′03″N 121°42′51″W / 46.81750°N 121.71417°W |
| Area | 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2), 1983 including Stevens Glacier |
Paradise Glacier is a cool, icy river of ice found on the side of Mount Rainier in Washington. It's one of many glaciers that slowly move down the mountain. Imagine a giant, frozen river that never stops moving!
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What is Paradise Glacier?
A glacier is a huge mass of ice that moves very slowly over land. Paradise Glacier is a type called a "mountain glacier." This means it forms high up on a mountain and flows downwards. It's like a super-slow-motion river made of ice!
Where is it Located?
Paradise Glacier is on the southeast side of Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier is a very tall volcano in Washington. The glacier is found in Pierce County, Washington, in the USA. It's a beautiful part of the Mount Rainier National Park.
How Big is it?
Paradise Glacier covers about 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2) of land. That's almost half a square mile! If you include a nearby glacier called Stevens Glacier, the total ice volume is about 0.8 billion cubic feet. That's a lot of ice! The main part of the glacier stretches from about 9,000 feet down to 7,200 feet in elevation. It even connects to a larger glacier called the Cowlitz Glacier.
The Mystery of the Ice Caves
For many years, there were famous Paradise Ice Caves near Paradise Glacier. These were amazing caves formed inside the ice. They were a popular spot for visitors to explore. However, a smaller part of the glacier that held these caves melted away. This happened between 2004 and 2006. Now, the ice caves are gone. This shows how much glaciers can change over time.
What Happens to the Melted Ice?
As the glacier slowly melts, the water flows away. This melted ice is called "meltwater." The meltwater from Paradise Glacier drains into the Cowlitz River. This river then flows through Washington State. Glaciers are an important source of fresh water for rivers and streams.
