It’s a question that’s totally Seattle: Is the mountain out? If you even have to ask “which mountain?”… uh,you’re probably not from around here. We’re talking about Mount Friggin’ Rainier — among the most prominent crests on Earth, but one that’s often shrouded by cloud cover.
Thankfully, new web-based app Mount Rainier Watch keeps a close eye on that elusive, mighty giant with crowdsourced data. Every day, you can log on to see where in the Puget Sound you might be able to see Mount Rainier best and whether it’s fully out or just kinda out — not that we’re natural wonder stalkers or anything.
Mount Rainier rises more than 14,000 feet in elevation. | Photo by @soysizzle via Instagram
Who came up with this thing? 🏔️
The site is the brainchild of local developer David Lindahl, who has been running the popular Mount Rainier Watch Twitter + Instagram accounts for years (with 50,000+ followers between the two).
David became obsessed with Rainier — aka Tahoma — while commuting from Green Lake to downtown, tweeting about how well he could see the majestic beast from the city. Rainier ranks fifth in height in the lower 48 states, and second to Mount Shasta in total volume of the cone for a single peak — so there’s plenty to track.
“It’s just the most beautiful thing in the world,” David says. “There aren’t too many mountains that have that skyline dominance.” No argument there.
Reports from users on Mount Rainier Watch help build status updates. | Photo by MountRainierWatch
True cloud computing 🏔️
Much of what’s on the site now is a bit bare bones. But David — who works on the site with his engineer brother — plans to make it more detailed + uber-nerdy. Expect photo uploads, popular webcam view integrations + gamification settings so people can earn points for mountain reporting. Eventually, a smartphone app will arrive, too.
In the meantime, those who visit the site can also find some merch where a portion of proceeds go to support nonprofits that protect National Parks + help fight wildfires. Be sure to also send in any reports on that fickle Mountain, too — the site needs all the local peepers it can get.
Use the buttons below to share with anyone who’s constantly singing “Ain’t no mountain high enough.”
Trivia Night | Thurs., Aug. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Dog Yard Bar, 1546 Leary Way | Free | Bring your furry friend + test your knowledge for a chance to win prices. 🐶
Startup World Cup | Thurs., Aug. 4 | 4-8 p.m. | UW Startup Hall, 1100 Northeast Campus Parkway | Free | The Washington Technology Industry Association hosts this competition where eight regional finalists will deliver their business pitches to a panel of judges. 💻
Friday
Seaprog 2022 | Fri., Aug. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Madame Lou’s, The Crocodile | $45+ | Prog rock fans should get a kick out of listening to experimental bands like Bent Knee and Rainbow Face. 🎸
“The Play’s the Thing” | Fri., Aug. 5 | 8 p.m. | Town Square Park, Burien | Free | P.G. Wodehouse’s comedy adaptation involves a play within a play.
Saturday
KEXP 50 | Sat., Aug. 6 | 12 p.m. | Seattle Center | Free | To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the indie station will have DJs spinning live on-air from its public Gathering Space with a beer garden + special guests.
Lake City’s Kid Parade | Sat., Aug. 6 | 6 p.m. | 2800 NE 125th St. | Free | The kiddos get to march down Lake City Way — bike decorations + wacky costumes encouraged. 🎈
Sunday
The Psychedelic Furs: Made of Rain Tour | Sun., Aug 7 | 4:30 p.m. | Woodland Park Zoo | $46.50 | The iconic post-punk band — known for hits like “Pretty In Pink” — is going strong after four decades.
The Strangest Seattle Tour | Sun., Aug. 7 | 3 p.m. + 5:30 p.m. | Dave Ryan Pop Art Shop, Pike Place Market | $30 | This 90-minute walking tour covers Seattle at its most bizarre, including tales of UFOs, ghosts… and murder. 👻
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
This week, Seattle’s Office of Economic Development announced a $1.9 million investment in the Commercial Tenant Improvement Fund. Small businesses impacted by the pandemic can get up to $100,000 each through the fund to build out their spaces + make improvements. Applications are due Thurs., Sept. 8. 💰
In a 5-2 vote, the Seattle City Council decided to end hazard pay for local grocery store workers. Beginning in February 2021, major supermarkets in Seattle were required to pay an additional $4 per hour to employees. That ordinance will end pending Mayor Bruce Harrell’s signature. (KING5)
After going up for sale this spring, Arches Apartments on Rainier Ave. S. now has the funds to maintain rents below market rates for its housing. The effort will keep cheaper rents in place for 99 years at the location thanks to nonprofit fundraising + a $2 million grant from Amazon. (Seattle Times)
Edu
One local teen is really well-versed. Diane Sun from Interlake High School in Bellevue was one of only five students in the US chosen to be a National Student Poet. Diane will receive a $5,000 reward, give talks + preside over poetry workshops over a one-year term. 📖 (Seattle Times)
Eat
Hasta la pasta. Italian chainDué Cucina — known for its variety of sauces + classic dishes like bucatini — plans to open a new location in West Seattle. The 4437 California Ave. SW spot will be the restaurant’s fourth outpost in the city, taking over the space formerly occupied by Hawaiian fried chicken favorite Ma’ono. 🍝 (West Seattle Blog)
Biz
The cat’s out of the duffle bag. Local outdoor retailer Filson announced it has named Neil Morgan as its next president. Neil most recently served as VP of business development for the 125-year-old company, which is in the process of expanding internationally. (Puget Sound Business Journal)
Arts
Finding beauty in… Super Mario Bros.? Seattle Art Museum’s upcoming exhibit “Limited Liability” features award-winning artist Anthony White’s molten plastic compositions, which draw heavily from video games, brand logos + digital nostalgia. It opens Fri., Aug. 5 and is free to view with price of admission.
Sports
Nicely done, newbie. Recent Mariners trade acquisitionLuis Castillo won his first-ever start for the team yesterday — against the vaunted New York Yankees, no less. Castillo lasted for six + 2/3 innings, gave up three runs + struck out eight in the 7-3 victory — securing a road series win, too. ⚾
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The future may be written in the stars — but Seattle is a tech town. That’s why we consulted an online artificial intelligence text generator to find out what August has in store for all the Zodiac signs.
Using basic prompts and some local language like “Pike Place” + “Seahawks,” we got the AI program to generate locally-driven horoscopes. Fortune favors the bots. 🤖
Stars align for a sail? Bellingham’s Schooner Zodiac has tours + charters. | Photo via Schooner Zodiac
CAPRICORN: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ♑
August is a time for growth and change — no matter what Seattleites might be used to. Capricorns — this month will bring you opportunities for a fresh start.
PISCES: Feb. 19-March 20 ♓ Seattle is full of weirdos and wizards. Get ready for a month of conjuring, with Pisces at the center of it all.
CANCER: June 21-July 22 ♋
Your Cancer will be able to appreciate the majesty of Pike Place in the morning sun and take in the incredible view of the Sound at sunset.
LEO: July 23-Aug. 22 ♌
Find a way to make your weekend feel like a vacation. Consider spending time with friends in the Great Outdoors or going on a road trip with your family and friends.
LIBRA: Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ♎
Your outgoing energy will attract new friends or clients, who share in your love of the great Northwest. They’ll be impressed by the beautiful scenery, friendly people and vibrant art scene that define this city.
SCORPIO: Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ♏
Scorpio, you’re known for your depth and intensity. This month, however, you’ll benefit from some levity as well. Take a hike through Discovery Park or paddle around the lake in your kayak.
Editor’s pick: I gotta say, when I first moved to Seattle, literally the biggest impression the city made on me was that gentle giant Mount Rainier looming in the background. I’m still awestruck every time I see the peak on a clear day — and highly recommend you head to the national park whenever you can to get up close + personal.
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