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5-day Mt. Rainier (4,392m) summit via the Emmons-Winthrop Glacier Route, Cascade Range

Join a certified mountain guide for an unforgettable 5-day ascent of the iconic Mount Rainier. Enjoy a scenic approach and employ a variety of climbing skills over the course of the climb.


TRIP TYPE

Group

MOUNTAIN RANGES

Cascade Range

DURATION

5 Days

OFFER PERIOD

Jul, Aug

FITNESS LEVEL

Fit

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery of Mount Rainier National Park.
  • Climb a more remote route up the mountain and avoid the crowds.
  • Explore both the true summit and the crater on summit day.

Description

Towering more than 14,000 feet above sea level, Mt Rainier is the highest mountain in Washington State as well as the Cascade Range!

Ascending this iconic state symbol requires a multi-day approach, glacier travel, long days of climbing and ascending up 40 degree slopes over snow and ice. It’s quite a challenge, but is well-worth it and is always an unforgettable adventure.

Over the course of five days, we will climb the most heavily glaciated peak in the Lower 48 and enjoy the stunning views out over the rest of the Cascades and as far away as Seattle.

On our trek, we will take the Emmons/Winthrop Glacier Route, which is the second most popular route up the mountain. For experienced mountaineers, it is better because of less crowding and its more remote location.

However, due how remote the trail is, this trip takes a few more days than the normal route. You can find the complete itinerary below.

We will spend two days on the approach in order to save our energy and reserve three days for summiting the peak and returning. The extra day up there gives us a window of flexibility in case the weather does not cooperate.

So what are you waiting for? Book now for an unforgettable five-day ascent of the iconic Mt Rainier in wonderful Washington State!

If you like the look of this trip then we think you will also enjoy our 4-day ascent of Mount Adams, farther north in the Cascades!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transport during the trip

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking


Itinerary

Day 1: Orientation and starting out

We will meet at 7 am in Seattle for the mandatory orientation, before making the three hour drive to the trailhead. After getting our permits (not included in trip price), we will hike for three hours to Glacier Basin (5,900 feet) and spend the rest of the day relaxing or reviewing mountaineering skills.

Day 2: Glacier Basin to Camp Sherman

We’ll begin the day by either reviewing a few more mountaineering skills or just ascending right out of the basin up the Inter Glacier. From here, we will traverse east and drop down onto the Emmons Glacier at 8,800 feet. All of this will be done in rope-team travel. We will finish the day once we have arrived at Camp Sherman (9,460 feet).

Day 3 to 5: Summiting and back

Getting an alpine start (between 2 and 3 am), we will make our ascent of the summit. This begins through a broken section of the glacier that is covered in crevasses and continues until we reach the “Corridor”, between 10,300 and 11,300 feet. From here, the route changes from year to year, depending on crevasses and slopes. We will usually belay up a large bergshrund about 1,000 feet below the summit as we cross snow bridges. Or we may have to traverse to the west. Either way, expect to spend seven to nine hours climbing to the true summit and crater before we spend four to five hours climbing back down to Camp Sherman. The last day of the trip we will climb back down to the car and return to Seattle.

Equipment you will need to bring

Please contact us for a complete equipment list.

About the guide: Mountain

Guide profile image

Mountain

Mountain Guide

For over 35 years, Mountain Madness has been bringing profound outdoor experiences to trekkers and mountaineers across the globe. We have built a strong foundation of skills and expertise, fueling our passion to impart our wisdom onto other like-minded explorers. Cultivating an enthusiasm for the
outdoors while helping you enjoy the journey and achieve your goals is a dream come true.

Our mission is to provide the best experience possible and to instill a passion for adventure. We value cultural exchange, take pride in facing physical and mental challenges head on, and strive to development wilderness skills that encourage self-discovery without compromising our environment.

Climbing, trekking, and skiing worldwide allows Mountain Madness to guide internationally. Our success and determination have given us worldwide acclaim and reignited our hunger – from Rainier and Baker to Kilimanjaro and Everest, no adventure is too big or too small.

Our guides have extensive training and are AMGA and/or IFMGA-certified guides. We enjoy assisting in all aspects of your trip, from the first conversation to the last goodbye. The collection of activities are endless, with alpinists, trekkers, explorers, mountaineers, and ski tourers on our team. To assist first time explorers and grizzled veterans in finding hidden, everyday wonder is our pleasure.

Languages

English

What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5.00

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

Niklas

5.00

I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.

Greg

5.00

I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.

Colin

5.00

Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!

Lesley

4.00

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.

 

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