6: The Greatest Tragedy. Mount Rainier National Park.

Mt. Rainier has been the site of more than 400 recorded deaths since it was established as a National Park in 1899. Tragedy is no stranger of the glaciated peak with causes of death including climbing accidents, falls, avalanches, murder and suicide. However this 75 year old accident still holds the solemn title for the single greatest tragedy in the history of the park. Strap in and hold on tight as Danielle talks us through the Curtis Commando R5C crash of 1946.

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Sources: The Spokesman Review. Medium. Seattle PI. History Link. The Mountaineers.

Mt. Rainier in 1976

This story took me back to 1976 and my summer at Mt. Rainier in Youth Conservation Corp. We knew of the story and the fact the military plane and servicemen were still there.
Over the summer a hiking trail took you to the base of the Tahoma Glacier. It was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, so as each week happened each crew worked on rejuvenating the trail. I was in awe of these servicemen, and the story of the sacrifice. When we finished the season the Park Service rededicated the trail to the CCC but to the 1976 YCC crews by placing a set of plaques at the trailhead.