Winter Scramble - Camp Muir

The goal for this trip is to walk uphill in snow at elevation carrying a scramble/climbing weight pack to gain fitness for early spring volcano trips.

This is a conditioning winter scramble that likely won’t make it to Camp Muir due to the short time window imposed by the Longmire gate which is scheduled to be open 9am-5pm. Be prepared to bring and use snowshoes since early season snow may be unconsolidated. We'll travel together at a moderate pace as a group, getting as far as we can before we hit our turnaround time (to be set as a group, but no later than 1pm). Because making it to Camp Muir is unlikely, as a group we could decide on an alternative high point such as McClure Rock or Anvil Rock.

If the weather or avy forecast is unfavorable, or the Longmire gate does not open on schedule, the backup plan is Double Mount Si (up Main, down Main, crossover to Old via Doug Fir, up Old, down Main) as a social trip with a pack weight of your choice (not a time trial).

Due to challenges of winter navigation and conditions, this trip is restricted to those with winter backcountry travel experience.

If you are signed up (or are on the wait list) for my Mount Saint Helens trip, you have permission to sign up. Otherwise, in your permission request let me know what what winter scrambles/climbs/snowshoes you've been on.

Whittaker's Cafe at 8:00 am. We'll consolidate cars, and anyone driving into Mt Rainier National Park will need a parking pass and tire chains.