Mt. Rainier


2012 Details

Fundraising Goal: $3,800
Guides: International Mountain Guides
Route: Disappointment Cleaver
Difficulty: Intermediate, glacier and snow
Rope Team: 2 Climbers 1 Guide
Date: August 30th – September 2nd, 2012
Slots Remaining: 6 of 8

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Seattle and meet in Ashford at HQ (directions) at 2:00pm for the 4-5 hour pre-climb meeting.

Day 2: Meet at HQ at 8am; drive to Paradise (5420 ft.); ascend to Camp Muir (10,080 ft.).

Day 3: Glacier travel and skills training on Cowlitz Glacier; ascend to “The Flats” (11,000 ft.).

Day 4: Wake at midnight. Climb to your personal summit. Descend to Paradise.

Download the Detailed Itinerary, Climber Agreement Form, Gear List and the Climber Packet.

The Climb

Mt Rainier has more name-recognition than any other mountain in the United States. It is the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, with 38 square miles of snow and ice and it’s the highest volcano of the Cascade Range. More than 10,000 people a year try to stand on its summit. This peak is the North American training ground for the biggest mountains in the world.

IMG Partner and Chief Rainier Guide, George Dunn, has summited Mt. Rainier more than any other person. To date George is at 495 ascents and counting. The summer of 2009 will herald George’s 500th summit!

The best time to climb Rainier is during the warmest and driest time of the year, from June to September, where the temperature ranges between 40 and 65 F. However, it is not uncommon for the late summer season to have intense winter-like storms and temperatures often drop below zero during the night. Like most mountains, conditions change quickly and climbers should come prepared for the worst.

Travel

Climbers should plan to arrange their own transportation to and from the mountain. Bay Area Wilderness Training will assist in organizing carpools to and from the airport. You should arrive at the designated meeting point no later than 8am on the morning of day two. Additional information will be available in the Climber Orientation Packet and at the pre-trip meeting.

Lodging

Please visit the Mount Rainier Visitor’s Association website for all of the local lodging options. Choose from mountain cabins, historic lodges, bunkrooms, hotels, and more!

Nearest Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Local Attractions

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Federation Forest State Park

More Info

For more information about the mountain and your climb we recommend: