Climb the Iconic Northwest Volcano

Mount Rainier Climbing

Join us to climb this iconic Washington Mountain.

North Cascades Mountain Guides is among the few companies fortunate enough to be allowed to guide trips to the summit of Mount Rainier. 

These trips are low ratio, small group expeditions led by some of the most experienced guides in the business. 

We are accepting waitlist names for the 2024 season. 

NCMG offers a 4-day climb of the Disappointment Cleaver Route (DC). Night one will be spent at Camp Muir. Nights two and three will be spent at Ingraham Flats at 11,000′. This itinerary offers one extra summit day to wait out weather or give the group extra time to rest and acclimatize. We have found over the years that poor weather and lack of acclimatization are the main factors involved in climbers being turned away from the summit. 

The maximum group size for these climbs will be four climbers with two guides (2:1). With a maximum of six total team members, half the size of most guided trips on Mt. Rainier, the group has increased flexibility and efficiency. This gives the climbers the best shot at safely making it to the summit of Mt. Rainier. 

Physical fitness is the most important skill required for climbing Mt. Rainier via the Disappointment Cleaver Route. The climb can be done by people with little to no climbing experience, but fitness is mandatory. All of the necessary skills required for an ascent of Mt. Rainier will be taught on days one and two prior to the summit day.

EQUIPMENT LIST – GLACIER MOUNTAINEERING

TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:

  • Mt. Baker (Easton, Coleman-Deming, Squak)
  • Mt. Shuksan (Sulphide Glacier)
  • Mount Rainier
  • Eldorado (E. Ridge)
  • Silverstar

A NOTE ABOUT EQUIPMENT LISTS: Nothing can ruin a trip faster than having the wrong gear for the conditions at hand.  All our programs are subject to rapid and severe changes in the weather. Select garments that are warm, lightweight, and durable.  Generally speaking, the best arrangement is to think in terms of layers – a system that dries quickly, allows flexibility, and resists wind, water, and abrasion. All of us have different tolerances for heat or cold; for example, you might choose warmer gloves than specified here if you tend to get cold hands. If you have doubts about a specific garment’s appropriateness, please talk to your guide in advance about conditions you are most likely to experience. This list is built for a trip with an unsettled weather forecast.  With good weather, some of these items may be left behind to save weight. All trips require that you bring adequate food and water, please see our “food” equipment list for details.

CLOTHING:

Head, Hands & Feet

  • Warm Hat 
  • Sun Hat 
  • Buff
  • Lightweight Gloves 
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Heavyweight Gloves (waterproof/breathable)
  • Warm Socks (~2 pairs)

Upper Body Layers

  • T-Shirt
  • Lightweight Sun shirt with Hood
  • Lightweight Fleece jacket
  • Softshell Jacket with Hood
  • Insulated Puffy Jacket with Hood (for Rainier, this must be a heavyweight jacket)
  • Hardshell Jacket with Hood

Lower Body Layers

  • Lightweight Baselayer Bottom
  • Softshell Pants
  • Hardshell Pants
  • Optional: shorts for warmer weather approaches

ACCESSORIES:

  • Backpack (45-55 Liters)
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Water & Food 
  • Headlamp
  • Blister Kit
  • Trekking Poles
  • Cloth Mask
  • Hand Sanitizer

OVERNIGHT GEAR:

  • Tent (4 seasons, lightweight)
  • Sleeping Bag (15-20 degree rating)
  • Sleeping Pad (inflatable)
  • Stove (recommend isobutene stoves over liquid fuel)
  • Fuel (adequate for cooking and melting snow for water – the quantity will vary with the trip length; please consult your guide)
  • Pot
  • Bowl, Cup, Spoon
  • Utensils
  • Toiletries: toilet paper, a tiny tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush and earplugs (optional)

CLIMBING / TECHNICAL:

  • Boots: Talk to your guide about the best options for your trip. Must be crampon-compatible
  • Ice Axe (lightweight)
  • Crampons (must be compatible with your boots)
  • Climbing harness (lightweight will be most comfortable)
  • 2 Locking Carabiners
  • Climbing Helmet
Available Guides
Jeff Ward
Larry Goldie
Joshua Cole
Ross Lindell

$2,750

2024 Full

2025 Accepting inquiries

Duration
Technical Difficulty
1
Physical Difficulty
3

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