Subalpine fir (Abieslasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) regeneration following fire was studied at two locations that burned in 1902 northeast of Mount Rainier, Washington. Tree establishment dates were compared with local climatic records using multiple and logistic regression to identify potential relationships between seasonal climate and annual tree establishment. The influence of microsite features on forest regeneration was also explored. Little regeneration occurred in the first 30 years after the fires, and most trees established in the 1950s, 1977, 1983, and 1989. The dominance of trees <50 cm tall at both sites indicates that trees are continuing to establish on these burns. Establishment is positively correlated with warm, dry springs with low snow accumulation, and cool, wet summers with some variation in significant monthly climate between sites. Tree establishment following fire is greater near other trees and woody debris than other microsite features; however, the microsites available and used for tree establisment may change over time as snags fall and trees establish. More than 50% of the recently established trees (<50 cm tall) are located near larger trees and shrubs, and few (<10%) trees are growing in exposed mineral soil. Older trees (≥50 cm tall) are frequently observed near woody debris. The response of subalpine fir regeneration to changes in climate will depend on the magnitude and seasonality of changes in weather, especially during spring. Tree establishment may be enhanced if there is less snow accumulation and a longer growing season. However, warmer, drier summers could result in additional moisture stress to seedlings, especially at sites with high solar radiation (south and west aspects) and well-drained soils.