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.
Group
Cascade Range
5 Days
Jul, Aug
Fit
Intermediate
Highlights
- 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
- Transport during the trip
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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.
Details
Meeting point Ascent Outdoors in Seattle, Washington |
Equipment you will need to bring
Rope
Helmet
Ice axe
Harness
Backpack
Crampons
Sunglasses
Belay device
Watter bottle
Other gear: Please contact us for a complete equipment list.
About the 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.
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