Mount Rainier/Emmons Glacier

Trip

Basic Glacier Climb - Mount Rainier/Emmons Glacier

Three day climb of the Emmons Glacier.

  • Fri, Jul 5, 2024 — Sun, Jul 7, 2024
  • Seattle Climbing
  • Climbing
  • Basic Alpine
  • Adults
  • Basic Glacier Climb, Strenuous 5, Technical 5
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 16.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 10,000 ft

Meet at the White River Campground at 10:00 am on July 5th.

Our goal is to stay as safe as possible while making a summit attempt if conditions on the mountain allow it.  We're following a three-day itinerary to break up the elevation gain:

July 5: Leave White River Campgroup, elevation  4300', at 10:30 am.  Camp in the Inter Glacier Alpine Zone around 7700'.

July 6: Inter Glacier to Emmons Flats, around 9700'.

July 7: Summit and back to White River Campgroud.

I expect us to follow a moderate pace, gaining about 1000'/hr on the Inter Glacier.  Summit day will begin with a very early AM alpine start.  On the ascent, any pace that keeps us moving steadily, consistent with avoiding a late-night drive home will be good.  We'll take frequent short breaks to refuel and assess conditions.

Weather on Rainier, glacier conditions, and the human response to altitute are all uncertain, so we'll need to be flexible.  Top priority is getting home in one piece, second is a positive experience for everyone, making the summit comes after!

Route/Place

Mount Rainier/Emmons Glacier


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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Mountain boots that can accept crampons (not hiking boots)
  • Crampons
  • An ice axe (not technical ice tools)
  • A sleeping bag rated to +20 degrees or colder
  • A sleeping pad
  • A back pack (40 to 60 liters)
  • Webbing and accessory cords
  • 6 straight gate carabiners
  • 2 locking carabiners
  • Large pear-shaped carabiner
  • Belay device
  • Climbing harness
  • Helmet
  • Rescue pulley
  • Fleece or puffy jacket
  • Rain jacket and full-zip rain pants
  • Warm gloves or mittens
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