There are two things required to climb/ski above 10,000' elevation in Mount Rainier National Park: Show
1.) Each individual must pay the Climbing Cost Recovery Fee (good for the calendar year). You can pay before coming to the park. To pay the fee, you must visit the Pay.gov website, submit your payment information, and receive your confirmation email. Save your receipt and bring a copy with you when you register for your climb as proof of payment.
Pay the Climbing Fee 2.) Each climbing party needs to obtain a Climbing Permit. This includes climbers who are attempting single-push climbs as well as ski mountaineering on glaciers above 10,000 feet elevation.
Mt. Rainier is arguably the best alpine climb in the US lower 48 states. I am focusing on the Muir Route (Disappointment Cleaver) and the Emmons-Winthrop since they are used by over 90% of Rainier climbers and the ones I did in 2004 with 8 friends using RMI and 2012 and 2015 with friends on our own. I am asked many questions about climbing especially since I am not a professional climber. So here are the most popular questions with my answers. As always, this information is based on my experience and are my opinions so always consult with a professional before making any serious climbing decisions. About Mt. RainierQ: Where is Mt. Rainier? Q: When is Rainier usually climbed? Q: How does Rainier compare with a Colorado/California 14er or even Denali? Q: How hard is Rainier? Q: Is climbing Rainier dangerous? Q: How many people had summited and how many people had died trying? Training, Gear & Communication:Q: How should I train for Rainier? Q: Is altitude a problem on Rainier since it is only 14,411? Q: Some guides require a climbing school. Is it really necessary? Q: What kind of gear do I need? Q: Anything special about gear for Rainier? Q: What about food and water? Q: Do cell phones work? Rainier BasicsQ: Which route is most popular? Q: How long does it take? For the Emmons Glacier route, it takes longer with the summit bid from 6 to 8 hours and the return to Camp Schurman about half that time. Q: How much does a standard climb cost with and without a guide? Q: Do I need a permit to climb Rainier? Q: Who are the approved guides for Rainier? Q: Do I really need a Guide? Q: What is involved if I plan my own climb? My 2012 and 2015 Emmons-Winthrop Glacier ExperienceQ: Did you summit?A: Yes all five of our team made the summit. Three of our five made it in 2015. Please read the 2012 trip report and the 2015 report. Q: Did you use a guide service? Q: Which route did you take? Q: What kind of weather conditions did you experience? 2004 Disappointment Cleaver ExperienceQ: Did you summit?A: Yes all nine of our team made the summit in a season record for an RMI team of 5 hours and 20 minutes from Muir camp. Please read the trip report. Q: Why did you choose RMI as a guide service in 2004? Q: How did they perform? Q: Which route did you take? Q: What kind of weather conditions did you experience? Bottom LineMt. Rainier is a jewel for Americans. It is easy to access, offers a huge variety of challenging routes and has surprises that mimic the Himalayas and the wild Alaskan giants. I had a lot of fun on our climb with great friends. It is a prefect warm up for climbers wanting to go to Denali or Aconcagua or for someone looking for their next step from a Colorado or California 14er.How long does it take to hike to the top of Mount Rainier?Most people take two days not including a day for the school. On the DC route, from Paradise to Camp Muir, it takes about 5 hours at a leisurely pace. Then from Muir to the summit, using the Disappointment Cleaver route, the climb can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on weather and your level of fitness.
Is it easy to climb Mt Rainier?Mt. Rainier is one of the more demanding climbs in the west. It is a healthy blend of mixed climbing, crevasse movement, glacier traversing, and exposed areas. A general physical fitness is required to partake in many of the Rainer programs.
Can anyone hike Mount Rainier?About the Climbing Permit:
Climbers must obtain a Climbing Permit in person at a ranger station. Climbers cannot obtain a Climbing Permit over the phone or online. A Climbing Permit is required for each party that skis or climbs on a glacier and/or ascends above 10,000 feet on Mount Rainier.
Is Mt Rainier free?Private Vehicle ($30, valid for seven days) Motorcycle ($25, valid for seven days) Individual/Bicycle ($15, valid for seven days) Mount Rainier Annual Pass ($55 valid for one year from month of purchase)
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