10th Mountain Division Memorial

This is a small bronze plaque set into a boulder beside a bench at the junction of Paradise's Waterfall and Alta Vista trails. It commemorates the 10th Mountain Division and its training connection to Rainier. It's a worthwhile pause if you're already walking in Paradise, but a modest historic stop rather than a separate hike. The uphill branches face roughly toward Rainier, so a wider photo can put the plaque in front of the mountain.

The junction is 0.19 mile from the Jackson Visitor Center and upper parking lot by Waterfall Trail east to Skyline Trail, then downhill. An alternate route via Alta Vista and Avalanche Lily trails is 0.32 mile. The lower parking lot is 0.34 mile south and downhill on Alta Vista, about 13 minutes on foot; Myrtle Falls is 0.49 mile north via Waterfall Trail and Skyline. The Jackson Visitor Center has restrooms, information, food and gifts. Snow covers the memorial in winter, and spring or fall can leave snow patches on the trails. Stay on trail even across snow to protect delicate meadow plants; pets aren't allowed on park trails.

In winter 1941–42, the 87th Mountain Infantry, from which the 10th Mountain Division was formed, trained at Paradise in skiing and mountaineering. The Army used Rainier's high elevation and severe snow to test skis, clothing, equipment and winter rations. One ski-troop party circled the mountain carrying rifles and 85-pound packs.

The division deployed to Italy in 1945. In a nighttime assault, the 86th Mountain Infantry climbed 1,500 vertical feet up Riva Ridge; the division then captured Mount Belvedere and advanced into the Po Valley. That wider story gives this quiet junction plaque its weight: it honors those who served in the 10th Mountain Division.