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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
How Climbing Mt. Rainer Came to Be
I interviewed Chris Tucker on his experience on climbing Mt. Rainier in Washington state. Chris is an avid climber and he and his friend, Marc, decided to climb the tallest peak in each state of the US. Mt. Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State, sitting at 14,411 feet, so a plan went into action to climb Mt. Rainier.
This wasn’t his first time attempting to summit Mt. Rainier. Chris and Marc tried twice before that, but the conditions weren’t favorable to summit. There is a saying that you’d rather be down here wishing you were up there than up there, wishing you were down here (old skydiving saying), but it works here too.
What was climbing Mount Rainier Like?
It took 2 days to climb Mount Rainier. They started the climb in the non-technical lower section. Chris and Marc loaded up their gear including the stove, camping pad, and sleeping pad, then crossed over the John Muir Snowfield. Twelve months out of the year, there is snowfall on the ground there. After 4 and a half hours, they made it to camp to have a rest.
Most people wait to depart for the summit around midnight and 2 AM. You’re at a high risk of snow and rockfall, and when the sun comes up, the risk increases. They left their pack at basecamp, then started the 7 hour journey to the summit.
Climbing down Mount Rainier was not the easy part. They had to descend down a 45 degree angle, were tired, and it was hard to focus. Climbing Mt. Rainier isn’t for the unfit for faint of heart, it takes skill and dedication.
How dangerous is it to climb Mount Rainier
Marc and Chris wore a climbing harness and were strapped together. There are crevasses that are treacherous and dangerous to climb near. Slipping can cause you to fall into the mountain.
Another common problem is altitude sickness. If there are any problems, pills are not the answer, it’s best to start the climb back down.
So yes, climbing Mt. Rainier is dangerous, but with the right training and guidance, you can mitigate risk on the mountain.
How Long does it take to climb Mount RAinier
That answer is variable based on conditions, the climber’s skills. It takes 2 days minimum, if climbing on your own, but if climbing with a guided service, the average length of these trips is 4 days.
Are there Guided Services to Climb Mt. Rainier?
There are a multiple services you can use to climb Mount Rainier, and this is the preferred way to hike Mt. Rainier if you are not a seasoned and experienced technical mountain climber.
It costs about $1,400-$2000 plus the cost of your gear.
A few recommended Mt. Rainier guide services are:
You need to book a guide service early.
What type of skills do you need to climb mount Rainier
If you go with a guide, they can teach you want you need to know on the mountain to be safe including self arrest. That said, you still need to be in extremely good shape. You need to be moving for 12 hours of the day and be able to stay mentally aware.
American Alpine Institute recommends that you have previous experience with glacier travel and steep snow climbing.
If you’re spending more time at home this year, take this time to get into amazing shape to do this bucket list experience!
When is the Best Time to Climb Mt. Rainier?
There are many different answers to this question. In February, the crevasses will be filled in, but the snow will be deep and it’s cold and snowing. April to mid August is most likely to have the best climbing window.
Are there accessible trails on Mt. Rainier for those with limited Mobility?
There is a paved, steep trail, that will get you about 1,000 feet up Mount Rainier, where you can get some killer views. Also there is the Kautz Creek Trail that has a level boardwalk to an accessible viewpoint of Mt. Rainier.
Additional Tips for Aspiring climbers of Mt. Rainier?
- Be prepared for the altitude change
- Be in shape
- Take regular breaks
- Go slow
- Take it all in when you have the opportunity, it will be an amazing uplift for your soul!
Related Episode: Via Ferrata Climbing in the dolomites
About Chris Tucker
Chris grew up in Britain, near the Peak District. He learned how to read a map and tie a clove hitch in the scouts, then pretty much didn’t go outside again between undergrad at Cambridge and Grad School at Northwestern. He then picked up backpacking and he is working to complete the feat of summiting every sing’e state’s highest point.