{"id":21116,"date":"2017-02-04T11:53:00","date_gmt":"2017-02-04T19:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=21116"},"modified":"2023-08-21T17:01:24","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T00:01:24","slug":"mount-rainier-climbing-gear-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/mount-rainier-climbing-gear-list","title":{"rendered":"Mount Rainier Climbing Gear List"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Standing 14,410 feet above sea level,\u00a0Mount Rainier<\/a>\u00a0is an icon in the Pacific Northwest that attracts close to 10,000 climbers each year. Striving for the summit\u2014and, if the odds are in your favor, reaching it\u2014is an immensely rewarding challenge.<\/p>\n

The active volcano is the highest peak in Washington State and the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. To get to the top, you’ll need to gain more than 9,000 feet of elevation, hike at least eight miles and travel on crevassed glaciers.\u00a0A typical summit attempt requires 2\u20135 days, but it’s well worth the effort.<\/p>\n

There are dozens of climbing routes up Mount Rainier, offering a wide range in difficulty and popularity for mountaineers. About half of the climbers attempting to summit reach the top.<\/p>\n

If you’re planning to climb Mount Rainier, you must be in excellent physical shape, properly trained and equipped with the correct gear. (Read more in our article, “How to Train for Mountaineering<\/a>.”) Weather, route conditions and the effects of altitude will also contribute to the outcome of your summit attempt.<\/p>\n

Mount Rainier Climbing Gear List:<\/b>\u00a0Printer-friendly version (PDF)<\/b><\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Mount Rainier Weather<\/h2>\n

Weather changes rapidly on Mount Rainier and rain, snow and frigid temperatures can occur any time of year. Know the forecast and be prepared for changing weather and sudden storms with extra clothing, rain gear and shelter.<\/p>\n

Winter at Mount Rainier brings frequent storms with high winds, deep snow and extremely poor visibility. All climbers attempting a winter ascent need to be experienced in winter mountaineering, avalanche forecasting and rescue.<\/p>\n

Check the National Weather Service\u00a0Mount Rainier Recreational Forecast<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Northwest Avalanche Center forecast<\/a>\u00a0in the days leading up to your trip.\u00a0The Mount Rainier Climbing Blog<\/a>\u00a0provides the latest route conditions. Mount Rainier\u2019s\u00a0live webcams<\/a>\u00a0are handy for seeing current conditions.<\/p>\n

Best Time to Go<\/b>: The typical climbing season runs from late May to September. July and August are typically the driest and warmest months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mount Rainier Permits<\/h2>\n

When you arrive at Mount Rainier National Park, you will need to pay an entrance fee or show a valid annual pass. To climb the mountain, you will also need the following:<\/p>\n

Climbing Permit:<\/b>\u00a0Anyone climbing on glaciers, or above 10,000 ft., must purchase a\u00a0Mount Rainier Climbing permit<\/a>, which is valid for the calendar year. You can buy your pass in advance or on the day of your climb.<\/p>\n

In the summer, you can get a climbing pass in person at the Climbing Information Center in Paradise; the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise; the White River Wilderness Information Center at the White River Entrance; the Longmire Wilderness Information Center; and the Carbon River Ranger Station. Be sure to check the\u00a0operating hours<\/a>\u00a0of the location you plan to visit. You must have a valid photo ID to purchase a Climbing Pass.<\/p>\n

Wilderness Permit:<\/b>\u00a0Climbers who plan to camp overnight are also required to get a\u00a0Wilderness Permit<\/a>. Mount Rainier limits the number of campers in each wilderness zone, so it\u2019s best to make advanced reservations for your permit. You\u2019ll have to pay a small fee, but you\u2019ll be able to secure your campsite ahead of time. The park starts taking reservations on March 15.<\/p>\n

About 30 percent of permits are held to be issued in person on a first-come, first-served basis for free. These permits can be issued on the day your trip starts, or up to one day before your trip starts. If your dates are flexible and\/or you are climbing midweek, permits are generally easy to come by even in peak season.<\/p>\n

Registration:<\/b>\u00a0Your party must register in person for the climb on the day the climb begins (or the day prior).<\/p>\n

Permissions:<\/b>\u00a0Anyone younger than 18 years old must have written permission of a parent or legal guardian before climbing.<\/p>\n

Solo travel above high camps or anywhere on glaciers is not allowed except with written permission from the Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mount Rainier Maps<\/b><\/h2>\n

The route you\u2019re climbing determines the maps you\u2019ll need. Green Trails maps are sold at REI stores, while USGS maps are sold at Mount Rainier National Park visitor centers, ranger stations and wilderness information centers.<\/p>\n

Disappointment Cleaver, Emmons Glacier, Ingraham Direct, Kautz Glacier, and Fuhrer Finger:<\/b>\u00a0Green Trails Mount Rainier East #270 or USGS Mount Rainier East and USGS Sunrise.<\/p>\n

Tahoma Glacier, Ptarmigan Ridge:\u00a0<\/b>Green Trails Mount Rainier West #269\u00a0<\/b>or <\/b>USGS Mount Rainier West and USGS Mowich Lake.<\/p>\n

Liberty Ridge:\u00a0<\/b>Green Trails Mount Rainier East #270 and Green Trails Mount Rainier West #269\u00a0<\/b>or\u00a0<\/b>USGS Sunrise, USGS Mowich Lake, USGS Mount Rainier West and USGS Mount Rainier East.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Mount Rainier Packing List<\/h2>\n

The following list is designed for a non-guided trip on Mount Rainier. If you\u2019re part of a guided group, check with the guide company to see what items they provide.<\/p>\n

Included in this list are the\u00a0Ten Essential Systems<\/a>\u00a0you should have on every backcountry trip: navigation; sun protection; insulation; illumination; first-aid supplies; fire; repair kit and tools; nutrition; hydration; emergency shelter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Equipment<\/h3>\n

Hardware quantities may vary depending on the route.<\/p>\n