First time I tried to climb Mt Rainier in 2009, but nasty snow conditions didn’t allow it. I recommend to check my post about that climb to compare how different mountain can looks in different years. This time i was three of as. Friday night we drove to Enumclaw, little town close to Mount Rainier National Park. At 7 am, after motel’s waffles, drove to ranger station on White River Campground, bought climbing permits, registered party, took blue bags, and at 9 am were at trail-head. Altitude here is 1300 meters, so we should take another 3100. But now 3.5 miles to Inter Glacier along White River.
River at low water:
Our goal:
Snow stars here from about 1600 meters.
Near Inter Glacier.
If previous time Inter Glacier was pure black ice, this time it is covered by thick now. Much better!.
Emmons Glacier, our rout to summit:
This time to Camp Schurman we came by traditional way, via Emmons Glacier.
We are at Camp Schurman, under The Prow.
it is crowdy in the camp. And all these people plat to do summit tomorrow! It would be line to the top!
These gays will save hundred meters in the morning:
We set tent, made water for tomorrow and supper for now. It is always not enough food!
The glacier on 3000 meter is not empty space, ravens and small bird always present.
Sunset
Cloud on the summit:
Valley below us is already under the clouds, but we still under the sun light.
9 pm, sun is gone, time for rest.
At 1 am (!) my partners waked me up. Cannot say that I was happy. Made tea, porridge, put gear on. Whole camp in movement.
We were actually the last ones, most parties started much early.
Line to the summit:
At 2-30 am we started our way up. It was a lot of snow at that year, most crevasses were covered. We passed coule party that started before us. At 4-30 am sky become pink.
And snow immediately become pink also.
With every step up the cold became more strong. Near the summit we passed another two party. At 8-30 am we were on the top. Rainier is stratovolcano, its summit is huge hole, covered by snow.
Crater:
Around crater
Exact summit:
Myself on the top (completely frozen)
At 9 am started down. Became warmer.
Crevasses
Last 400 vertical meters we simple glided. Pretty economical. At 12 am we are at Schurman camp. Dinner, tea, packing. The weather changed constantly.
At 2 pm we started descent. Gliding from Inter Glacier took 10 minutes, what a nice way to go down!
Flowers around.
Last miles on the trail though the forest.
At 5 pm we were near our car with 6 hours drive ahead of us.
