My son didn't get a senior trip of any kind so he asked if we could climb Mt Rainier. Went online and purchased the Climbing Permits for approximately $50 per person. The hardest part is every party needs an additional Wilderness Permit listing all those in the party for overnight camping on the Mt Rainier. Plan ahead so that you can get these. There are smaller limits to the number of people allowed to camp on the mountain this year. We actually went a week later than originally wanted.
We left as part of a 3 person team from the lower parking area at Paradise on Tuesday at 830am. We followed the skyline trail to the Muir Snowfield. The trail is paved and then an improved dirt and rock trail. This area around paradise will get very busy very fast.
After about 2 miles we got out on the snow and the number of people around you drops quickly. Used treking poles and boot tread on the snow up to Camp Muir. The snow never gets too steep and if you hit it in the morning its harder for better grip. A sign warns of crevases below Camp Muir but we didn't see anything on our route.
Arrived at Camp Muir by 12pm and set up camp, melted water, and got all of our climbing gear ready. There are pit houses here for bathroom needs. Bring your own paper. This year has the smallest crowds I've seen up at the camp due to the wilderness permit limits. Attempted to relax/sleep until 12am.
All equipment ready to go and starting for the summit by 1am as the rear of a 3 person rope team. Crevases begin right out of camp so once you get past Camp Muir have your harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, rope, and head on right. Most are small, one has a ladder and rope handle to cross. The route in mostly marked by wands especially helpful navigating the Disappointment Cleaver.
Around 13,000 feet there are a few snow anchors available for running belays on the steeper side hills. More crevase crossings but most of the route is nice and clear. Made the summit by 7am. We didn't set and land speed records but that is Ok. Views were totally clear Baker to Hood, but very windy. Gusts 25 mph+ according to weather reports. Spent 45 min or so exploring the crater and summit.
Moved quickly down to stay ahead of warming snow conditions. Back down to Camp Muir by 1130. Picked up our stuff and headed down. Had a blast and saved our knees by using a number of Glisade snow chutes on the snowfield. Arriving at the Paradise area trails it was crowded. Back to the car by 3pm ish.
Great time with my son that we will always remember. Something else to remember 2020 for.
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