Summit of Mount Rainier via the Emmons Glacier. Weather was perfect. Multiple crevasses to pass. Snow bridges beginning to collapse. The route is firm early in the AM, however, the snow softens during the day making the going down more challenging. Expect the route, especially navigating the crevasses to change. We used pickets placed by other parties for safety/belay while passing, crossing, and jumping a few crevasses. The Emmons route is longer than the Disappointment Cleaver (DC) route and had many crevasses to traverse - across snow bridges, and some by sketchy single track boot paths cut above in the snow walls. The route has a very long traverse towards Liberty Cap, before turning upwards to a final 800+ foot neve snow wall/hill, creating the disillusionment of a closer summit. The benefit is that you top out at the true summit at Columbia Crest at 14,411 ft, vs. needing to traverse the crater rim for the true summit from other routes. There were good paths circumnavigating the crater rim. It was exceptionally clear, yet windy - 30-40 mph, and super cold, so we opted to not find the summit register, and make our way down to minimize changes in the route due to warming conditions. Unlike the DC, there is minimal exposure to rock on this route - however, it is a long hike up Glacier Basin via the Inner Glacier to Camp Sherman, and the summit push is about an additional 1100 feet vs. other routes from Camp Muir. Camp Sherman is a tent only site, with a small ranger station and two camp toilets. There was a small glacial melt pond we used to filter water, and room for about 20+ tents. There are also many broken up and deep crevasses just outside of the camp area, so take care when walking around. Our party consisted of Mark Hadland, Kevin Hall, Marco Sanchez Ponce, Aga Fine - guided by Zach Keskinen and Jake Skeen of Mountain Madness.
I paid my way through college guiding this bad boy...summitted over 30+ times. Should probably go back again...but it's an ass-kicker and not sure I'm ready! :) Sold my cabin in Ashford, spent many, many days/nights hanging out around that town. Weekdays were the best! Weekends stay away! The crowds are horrendous! the worse part of the pristine alpine experience was heading back to your car afterward...amongst the masses of tourist.
rtgomez90 - Jul 30, 2019 1:14 pm Date Climbed: Aug 13, 2018
Hiked to Camp Muir on the 24th and made summit on the 25th. Must say it was nice going up on a weekday. Still very busy, but I can only imagine what it would look like on a weekend. According to the ranger at Camp Muir, not many people had been making summit for the past few days due to sustained 50+ mph winds. We were lucky enough to get a short weather window before the winds would ramp up again. That said, the weather was beautiful and the route is in good condition. Honestly the scariest part of the route was traversing below the DC when you get off the Ingraham Glacier the way up. People are stepping all above you on loose rock and it is completely dark. Even more dangerous on the way down because people were less careful coming down. A group nearly kicked several toaster sized boulders down on us. The DC was probably the worst part in general. Above the DC there was one ladder used to climb up. Super easy to cross but traffic was crazy here on the way down. I guess people don't know how to climb a ladder... Summit was completely clear with around 20-25 mph winds. Pro tip: Either go way before or way after the guides. They like to keep all of their ropes teams together so it can slow things down when you get caught around them.
McCannster - Jul 8, 2019 8:32 am Date Climbed: Jul 3, 2019
via DC
Highpoint 44. Last hard highpoint! Party of 3 with Alex and Andrew, with an overnight at Camp Muir. Great experience!
dannydeckers - Jun 20, 2019 8:55 pm Date Climbed: Jun 28, 2017
Summit via Emmons Glacier
Best glissading of my entire life. 10/10
bluecappo - Jun 18, 2019 12:23 pm Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2015
DC Taking it slow
Took our time with one night at Muir and one night on Ingram Flats - I highly recommend taking the extra day and just kicking back to enjoy the sights! The route on this one was in a bit gnarlier shape than I had seen it in years past.
bweitzner - Jun 12, 2019 5:41 pm Date Climbed: Jul 6, 2008
Mount Rainier with Rainier Mountaineering
Great two day climb, snowstorm at the summit, beautiful snow conditions.
huskertriguy - Jun 2, 2019 2:36 am Date Climbed: May 11, 2019
Finished Business
Ingraham Direct route.
There was room in the hut at Camp Muir, so we opted for it instead of bivy bags and tents.
Not much more to add from other reports. I see Ingraham Direct was still used a couple weeks after we were there which surprised me. The ladders barely stretch across the crevasse crossings so it will not be much longer before parties will be diverted to Disappointment Cleaver.
Other than that I could not have asked for a better day to finally get up there.
Super bluebird day. Wasted too much time monkeying around with layers and traction, but had a ball.
travel_murse - Mar 21, 2019 11:11 am Date Climbed: Mar 16, 2018
DC
The day I fell in love with the big mountains and mountaineering
mzelasko - Jan 13, 2019 3:31 pm Date Climbed: Jul 8, 2018
Rainier in July
Alpine Ascents climb with guide Devin Bishop as second part of 8-day alpine climbing course.
mountainmidget - Jan 3, 2019 11:35 pm Date Climbed: May 30, 2016
Disappointment Cleaver
Started on Friday, 5-27-16 with the intentions of the Kautz Route, but couldn't get across the Nisqually-Wilson glacier due to socked in weather, super foggy, and lots of rock fall. We stayed the night at about 6500ft on the Glacier Vista trail to see if the morning provided us a better chance. Bad weather caused us to turn tail and head up the Disappointment Cleaver Route. Got up to Camp Muir on Saturday, 5-28-16 and weather kept us there until Monday, 5-30-16. We had a bluebird day and summited on Monday, 5-30-16. My lack of hydration caused a longer descent and we ended up camping one more night at Camp Muir, then down to Paradise on Tuesday, 5-31-16. Would certainly love to return someday to do the Kautz Route, but would do the DC Route again in a heartbeat!
Matt McCullough - Nov 26, 2018 7:50 am Date Climbed: Feb 25, 2017
Denali Prep Course
Participated in Denali Prep course February 25 – March 4. Unable to summit due to weather. Perfectly gnarly conditions for excellent Denali training. Experienced 70 mph winds and minus-20-50 (C) temps and wind chill.
Youliana - Oct 29, 2018 12:25 am Date Climbed: Jun 5, 2016
Rainier Emmons
Superb ski trip. Awesome weather and conditions.
dielotr - Aug 15, 2018 4:41 pm Date Climbed: Aug 14, 2018
DC Route with AAI
Summited via the Ingraham Glacier/Disappointment Cleaver route with Alpine Ascents International. Fantastic group of guides: Jangbu, Connor, Don, and Kristie. Perfect weather. No wind even at the summit, no precip, no clouds, freezing level above the summit, very hot descent. Wildfire haze obstructed most of the views.
Can't wait to return and try a more technical route like Emmons
Was with my buddy John, another guide in training. Summited in great style on the DC. Participated in a rescue with IMG. Fantastic learning experience. Definitely had a lot more of the glacier things I've been craving.
recast - Apr 12, 2018 8:32 pm Date Climbed: May 21, 2016
Ingraham Glacier-Disappointment Cleaver Route
Very cold with gusting snow storm at the summit. Harrowing descent.
Wheelbarrow - Feb 5, 2018 9:54 pm Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2017
2 years of high, high anticipation was well worth it. Magical mtn.
Easiest day of mah life. Just kidding but after climbing 50-some mountains in the prior 2 months I started from the Paradise parking lot at 6am with running shoes on feet and was back in 12 hours. Perfect conditions for my first glaciated peak.
markhadland@gmail.com - Aug 5, 2019 12:27 pm Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2019
Mount Rainier Emmons Glacier RouteSummit of Mount Rainier via the Emmons Glacier. Weather was perfect. Multiple crevasses to pass. Snow bridges beginning to collapse. The route is firm early in the AM, however, the snow softens during the day making the going down more challenging. Expect the route, especially navigating the crevasses to change. We used pickets placed by other parties for safety/belay while passing, crossing, and jumping a few crevasses. The Emmons route is longer than the Disappointment Cleaver (DC) route and had many crevasses to traverse - across snow bridges, and some by sketchy single track boot paths cut above in the snow walls. The route has a very long traverse towards Liberty Cap, before turning upwards to a final 800+ foot neve snow wall/hill, creating the disillusionment of a closer summit. The benefit is that you top out at the true summit at Columbia Crest at 14,411 ft, vs. needing to traverse the crater rim for the true summit from other routes. There were good paths circumnavigating the crater rim. It was exceptionally clear, yet windy - 30-40 mph, and super cold, so we opted to not find the summit register, and make our way down to minimize changes in the route due to warming conditions. Unlike the DC, there is minimal exposure to rock on this route - however, it is a long hike up Glacier Basin via the Inner Glacier to Camp Sherman, and the summit push is about an additional 1100 feet vs. other routes from Camp Muir. Camp Sherman is a tent only site, with a small ranger station and two camp toilets. There was a small glacial melt pond we used to filter water, and room for about 20+ tents. There are also many broken up and deep crevasses just outside of the camp area, so take care when walking around. Our party consisted of Mark Hadland, Kevin Hall, Marco Sanchez Ponce, Aga Fine - guided by Zach Keskinen and Jake Skeen of Mountain Madness.
marieg - Jul 30, 2019 1:47 pm
Favorite Mountain!I paid my way through college guiding this bad boy...summitted over 30+ times. Should probably go back again...but it's an ass-kicker and not sure I'm ready! :) Sold my cabin in Ashford, spent many, many days/nights hanging out around that town. Weekdays were the best! Weekends stay away! The crowds are horrendous! the worse part of the pristine alpine experience was heading back to your car afterward...amongst the masses of tourist.
rtgomez90 - Jul 30, 2019 1:14 pm Date Climbed: Aug 13, 2018
DC>24 hrs
kronshage3 - Jul 28, 2019 5:30 pm Date Climbed: Jul 25, 2019
Via DCHiked to Camp Muir on the 24th and made summit on the 25th. Must say it was nice going up on a weekday. Still very busy, but I can only imagine what it would look like on a weekend. According to the ranger at Camp Muir, not many people had been making summit for the past few days due to sustained 50+ mph winds. We were lucky enough to get a short weather window before the winds would ramp up again. That said, the weather was beautiful and the route is in good condition. Honestly the scariest part of the route was traversing below the DC when you get off the Ingraham Glacier the way up. People are stepping all above you on loose rock and it is completely dark. Even more dangerous on the way down because people were less careful coming down. A group nearly kicked several toaster sized boulders down on us. The DC was probably the worst part in general. Above the DC there was one ladder used to climb up. Super easy to cross but traffic was crazy here on the way down. I guess people don't know how to climb a ladder... Summit was completely clear with around 20-25 mph winds. Pro tip: Either go way before or way after the guides. They like to keep all of their ropes teams together so it can slow things down when you get caught around them.
cascadescrambler - Jul 25, 2019 5:31 pm Date Climbed: Jul 25, 1976
Mount RainierCamp Schurman, Emmons Glacier route.
McCannster - Jul 8, 2019 8:32 am Date Climbed: Jul 3, 2019
via DCHighpoint 44. Last hard highpoint! Party of 3 with Alex and Andrew, with an overnight at Camp Muir. Great experience!
dannydeckers - Jun 20, 2019 8:55 pm Date Climbed: Jun 28, 2017
Summit via Emmons GlacierBest glissading of my entire life. 10/10
bluecappo - Jun 18, 2019 12:23 pm Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2015
DC Taking it slowTook our time with one night at Muir and one night on Ingram Flats - I highly recommend taking the extra day and just kicking back to enjoy the sights! The route on this one was in a bit gnarlier shape than I had seen it in years past.
bweitzner - Jun 12, 2019 5:41 pm Date Climbed: Jul 6, 2008
Mount Rainier with Rainier MountaineeringGreat two day climb, snowstorm at the summit, beautiful snow conditions.
huskertriguy - Jun 2, 2019 2:36 am Date Climbed: May 11, 2019
Finished BusinessIngraham Direct route.
There was room in the hut at Camp Muir, so we opted for it instead of bivy bags and tents.
Not much more to add from other reports. I see Ingraham Direct was still used a couple weeks after we were there which surprised me. The ladders barely stretch across the crevasse crossings so it will not be much longer before parties will be diverted to Disappointment Cleaver.
Other than that I could not have asked for a better day to finally get up there.
gregdwhite@hotmail.com - May 1, 2019 11:26 am Date Climbed: Apr 28, 2019
MuirSuper bluebird day. Wasted too much time monkeying around with layers and traction, but had a ball.
travel_murse - Mar 21, 2019 11:11 am Date Climbed: Mar 16, 2018
DCThe day I fell in love with the big mountains and mountaineering
mzelasko - Jan 13, 2019 3:31 pm Date Climbed: Jul 8, 2018
Rainier in JulyAlpine Ascents climb with guide Devin Bishop as second part of 8-day alpine climbing course.
mountainmidget - Jan 3, 2019 11:35 pm Date Climbed: May 30, 2016
Disappointment CleaverStarted on Friday, 5-27-16 with the intentions of the Kautz Route, but couldn't get across the Nisqually-Wilson glacier due to socked in weather, super foggy, and lots of rock fall. We stayed the night at about 6500ft on the Glacier Vista trail to see if the morning provided us a better chance. Bad weather caused us to turn tail and head up the Disappointment Cleaver Route. Got up to Camp Muir on Saturday, 5-28-16 and weather kept us there until Monday, 5-30-16. We had a bluebird day and summited on Monday, 5-30-16. My lack of hydration caused a longer descent and we ended up camping one more night at Camp Muir, then down to Paradise on Tuesday, 5-31-16. Would certainly love to return someday to do the Kautz Route, but would do the DC Route again in a heartbeat!
Matt McCullough - Nov 26, 2018 7:50 am Date Climbed: Feb 25, 2017
Denali Prep CourseParticipated in Denali Prep course February 25 – March 4. Unable to summit due to weather. Perfectly gnarly conditions for excellent Denali training. Experienced 70 mph winds and minus-20-50 (C) temps and wind chill.
Youliana - Oct 29, 2018 12:25 am Date Climbed: Jun 5, 2016
Rainier EmmonsSuperb ski trip. Awesome weather and conditions.
dielotr - Aug 15, 2018 4:41 pm Date Climbed: Aug 14, 2018
DC Route with AAISummited via the Ingraham Glacier/Disappointment Cleaver route with Alpine Ascents International. Fantastic group of guides: Jangbu, Connor, Don, and Kristie. Perfect weather. No wind even at the summit, no precip, no clouds, freezing level above the summit, very hot descent. Wildfire haze obstructed most of the views.
Can't wait to return and try a more technical route like Emmons
baloodh2000 - Jul 31, 2018 1:46 pm Date Climbed: Jul 25, 2018
Training ClimbWas with my buddy John, another guide in training. Summited in great style on the DC. Participated in a rescue with IMG. Fantastic learning experience. Definitely had a lot more of the glacier things I've been craving.
recast - Apr 12, 2018 8:32 pm Date Climbed: May 21, 2016
Ingraham Glacier-Disappointment Cleaver RouteVery cold with gusting snow storm at the summit. Harrowing descent.
Wheelbarrow - Feb 5, 2018 9:54 pm Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2017
2 years of high, high anticipation was well worth it. Magical mtn.Easiest day of mah life. Just kidding but after climbing 50-some mountains in the prior 2 months I started from the Paradise parking lot at 6am with running shoes on feet and was back in 12 hours. Perfect conditions for my first glaciated peak.