Yup, looking up two of the four good climbs on Rainier(liberty,Ptarmigan ridge). The third on Rainier IMO is Sunset amphitheater/Puyallup cleaver and pick your quality route. Though even Liberty ridge is pretty much nothing but a very long stretch of 40-50 degree snow/ice making it the 4th best route on the mountain IMO behind Sunset ridge, Sunset amphitheater, and ptarmigan. The best part of the "climb" is the approach crossing the Carbon.
Have you done Curtis Ridge by any chance? I want to do another route on Rainier some day, maybe, and trying to decide on which one to try. For me, Liberty Ridge was an awesome experience because I climbed/hiked just over a year when I did it (unguided). So doing a committing climb like that with another noob like myself was a good challenge back than. I agree that best part is crossing the Carbon. That thing is impressive, especially for someone who is from CA! It ended up being easier than I thought though.
In my home range, Clyde Minaret is one of my favorite peaks. It's SE face Direct route (IV 5.9) is included in 50 classic climbs in NA, for a great reason IMO. It is named after Norman Clyde, and also is part of the Minaret Traverse (that I need to do some day). Surrounded by other peaks, spires, and lakes, it is a must see. It also has a great route for a scrambler- Rock Route.
Clyde is the high point. As seen from Volcanic Ridge
Merriam peak has my favorite rock climb in Sierra (North Buttress IV 5.10b), and is also pretty damn scenic. Nice and easy descent too.
Temple Crag, has several awesome rock climbs, has great views from the summit, and a good challenge for a scrambler.
Petit Griffon Spire had one of my favorite summits. It is about size of a table and perfectly flat. Moderate climb of 2 pitches that we broke in 3 to prevent rope drag. Can't see it from photos but it actually has twin summits.
Photo of it from the air. By ScottyS or bearbnz:
http://www.summitpost.org/the-petit-gri ... 1/c-150485Would be cool to climb Lone Pine Peak via Bastille Buttress. Maybe than I will add it to my list of favorites.