Intermediate Alpine Climb - Mount Rainier/Kautz Glacier

Goals and expectations:

• A 2 day/1 night climb of Mt Rainier via the Kautz ice chute. We will camp 1 night at Camp Hazard, ~11,200'
• The first day's approach to camp involves nearly 6000' of elevation gain. We will climb the ice chute on the second day (summit day). Although the the climbing is AI 1-2, which is not very steep nor sustained, it occurs between 11,400'-12,000', followed by a long glacier walk up to the crater rim. Please know your limitations and only climb this route if you are okay doing strenuous activity at altitude and understand the risks and consequences. 
• After summiting, we will descend back down the same route, rappel down the ice pitches, pack up camp, and hike out. 
• 2 rope teams (4 people total)
• Dates may change depending on weather and conditions

Requesting permission:

• This trip is open to people who have completed the Alpine Ice module or equivalent. Preference also for those who have summited Mt Rainier or other 14ers before.  
• Those who completed, instructed, or volunteered with Kitsap branch's Alpine Ice module may request permission any time.
• All others, please wait until after May 27, 2026 to request permission. 
• When requesting permission, please mention your alpine ice climbing experience, previous glacier experience, and current conditioning. 

Paradise, AM. TBD via email.