Murph1 wrote:...
Why Rainer for your first summit attempt of a major mountain? Just because you read about it in books? or Your friend wants to climb it?
There are many major summits in the Western U.S. which would make good starting climbs offering a taste of what the "big" mountain offers. If you climbed Mt. Adams, Mt Hood or Mt Shasta by the standard routes you would get a feel for what Rainer is all about without the higher exposure to danger that Rainer offers..
My opinion: Start your mountaineering experience elsewhere! Save Rainer for when you have those crevasse rescue skills, self arrest skills, repelling skills, belaying skills down and you know that you can handle the high altitude climbing.
Well, that's not necessary true. One year, while exploring west cost, I saw Rainier and immediately wanted to climb it, because it was huge and looked challenging and impressive. Next year I did it after Shasta and Hood but only because they were on my way to WA, otherwise, I would have climbed it first. I had rock climbing experience from European mountains but up to that point climbed glaciated route once and nothing even close to Rainier.
I always say (or repeat others), "summit is not the most important...", but it's very nice to be on the top.
Congrats buddy,
Cyde , and keep climbing, and
Climb Safe.