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Mt. Rainier National Park
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Box Canyon
One of the more unusual features of the park is the gorge known as "Box Canyon." This canyon features a deep fissure carved by the erosive action of the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River.
The canyon is a very impressive site, only a few feet wide but some 115 feet deep and with almost vertical walls.
The canyon has been cut since the retreat of the glaciers some 10,000 years ago.
The gorge has been cut through a ridge of old lava known as Ohanapecosh rock.
The erosive action of the river has been relatively rapid here. This is because of the churning, turbulent motion of the river's waters, and because these waters carry a load of abrasive sand and boulders. This was a relatively rapid process as well because the water has been working on soft, relatively recent volcanic rocks.
This area provides evidence of the two main types of erosion, that which is caused by the action of glaciers and that which results from water. The steep canyon itself has been carved primarily by the erosive action of the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River.
The grooves in these rocks caused by the scraping action of stones embedded in the glaciers as they flowed over the rocks.
For potential visitors, ParkVision recommends "Story Behind the Scenery" guides and "Trails Ilustrated" maps.
However, the valley here also shows many effects of glaciers as well, such as the polished faces of the rocks which lie here.
There is a trail which leads through the meadow next to the canyon and allows hikers to cross the canyon on a bridge. It also provides a very nice view of Mt. Rainier.
The river here flows beneath a bridge and tunnel which was built just before World War II. Next to the river and the bridge there is a parking area from which users may set out on the trail which crosses the Box Canyon.
Another view of the mountain and the meadow next to the canyon is shown below.
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