Because I will only be in the Seattle area for a short while, I only have time to visit one mountain range. Which would you recommend? Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

I visited some of Ranier and St. Helens in one day.
We spent the night at a lodge on the south flank of Ranier (not recommended -- small, expensive room) and hiked some of the trails that were passable wityout snow and ice equipment.

The drive to St. Helens is on the maps. If you have time, do both. Even if your time is restricted.
If you are restricted to one, flip a coin unless there is something about one that attracts you more than the other.

Ranier is awesome because it rises from sea level to more than 14,000 feet. Without great strength and climbing skills, you can see only part of it.
As one friend of mine said, we just piddled around the edges.

Hi, saw your message, and thought I'd respond. I live 3 hours away from Rainier,1 hour from Helens, and I'm not sure on Baker. I've only been to baker once, so can't tell you a lot about that. Rainier is great. a lot to see and do. Helen's, Is about 3 to 4 hours away from seattle. a lot to see and do. As you travel up the spirit Lake Hwy., there are plenty of places to stop and learn about the mountain. it is quite something to see. the exit you take off od I-5 is Castle Rock, this will take you up to the mountain. I would say, Helens, its really very interesting, and there is lots you can do. Hiking trails, ect.

I spent a day in Rainer and a half-day at Mt Saint Helens (MSH), and can make the following notes: the whole point of visiting MSH is to see the devastation from the 1980 eruption. The land is (amazingly) making a determined comeback, so even this aspect of the site is losing its appeal. Since the main aspect of MSH is devastated areas, the scenery is (surprise!) not particularly scenic.

SOOOOOO, if you want geologic "history", MSH would be a better choice; for scenery, I would choose Mt Rainer.

hello -- right or wrong, here's my thoughts -- i would choose st helen's, hands down -- rainier and baker ARE beautiful and IMHO CAN be enjoyed from a distance -- helen's is a wonderful learning experience on mother nature's cycles -- if you visit the mt st helen's johnson ridge center, you'll not only be AMAZED, you'll also learn alot -- mt st helen's is my vote for education, interest and hiking -- no matter your decision, you'll have a GRAND time......gloria