Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Calvin Jiricko, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Summit Success!
Our entire team reached the top of South Twin Sister with big smiles and perfect weather. It was a stunning day of climbing, and everyone crushed it! We made it back late last night, safe and sound, and spirits are high.
Now we’re gearing up for our next adventure: ice climbing on the lower Coleman Deming Glacier. Conditions look promising, and we’re excited to get back out there.
— RMI Guide Ben Luedtke & Team
Posted by: Nick Sinapius, Julian Kral, Celeste Wilson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
The Paradise Seminar August 22 - 27 led by RMI Guide Nick Sinapius is completing their training and their program today. After several days of training on the lower slopes of Mt. Rainier, the team bumped their camp near Camp Muir yesterday and was ready to put their training to the test. Unfortunately, the weather and route didn't quite cooperate for them to make a summit attempt. The team is now descending to Paradise. They will conclude their program this afternoon with a small celebration of their adventure.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Bailey Servais, Calvin Jiricko
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: South Twin Sister
Today, we sauntered into the wilderness of Washington for our first objective: South Twin Sister.
“What are we doing?” you might ask. “Where the heck is that?” you may wonder. Spoiler alert: it’s a hidden gem of a climb just south of Mt. Baker.
After crossing a downed tree over a raging creek and bushwhacking through a sea of berries, we arrived at camp nestled in a field of boulders. The question kept coming: “Have y’all done this climb before?” Sure have.
We spent the afternoon refreshing our skills in preparation for what’s to come. Hiding from the sun and heat, we’re hoping to get some sleep tonight.
Tomorrow, we climb.
— RMI Guide Ben & Team
Objective #2: Complete!
Jackson and Derek crushed Mt. Baker’s Easton Glacier with confidence and style. From a smooth ascent to a breathtaking sunrise at the summit, they made the climb look easy. Now off the mountain and ready to celebrate a week of wins and unforgettable memories.
Kudos to Derek and Jackson!! I was with you in spirit. Climb every mountain!
Posted by: James Brannon on 8/27/2025 at 4:29 am
The North Cascades continue to deliver! RMI Guide Ben Luedtke and team ventured to the Picket Range in North Cascades National Park over the weekend for a successful climb of West McMillan Spire. They enjoyed great climbing conditions and blue, windless skies.
Posted by: Casey Grom, Leif Bergstrom, Hannah Blum, Jack Ritterson, Brendan Oates, Kayanna Hopkins, Kat Porter, Oliver Shapiro
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Casey Grom & Leif Bergstrom led their Five Day Climb teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Leif reported great conditions, not too hot and not too windy. The teams will return to Camp Muir to rest and relax this afternoon. They will spend their second night on the mountain tonight, and descend the remaining 4,500' to Paradise tomorrow.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Jess Wedel, Matt Kelly, Matt Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
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Early this morning, RMI Guide Jess Wedel led her team to the summit of Mt. Baker via the Easton Glacier route. After taking in the stunning views from the top, the team descended safely back to Sandy Camp. They'll spend one more night there before making their final descent to the trailhead tomorrow morning, wrapping up a successful and rewarding climb.
Nice work team!
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The North Cascades Custom Climb led by RMI Guide Jackson Breen reached the summit of their first objective this morning: Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys. The team is making their descent back to the trailhead. Tomorrow they will rest as they turn their focus to their second objective: Mt. Baker.
Posted by: Raymond Holt, Tom Skoog
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 9,131'
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The entire Mt. Shuksan climb led by RMI Guides Ray Holt and Tom Skoog reached the summit of Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys route this morning. The team enjoyed a beautiful sunrise while ascending and blue skies from the summit. The team will descend back to the trailhead and conclude their program later today.
Congratulations climbers!
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, George Hedreen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day climb led by RMI Guides Dominic Cifelli and George Hedreen successfully reached the summit early this morning via the Disappointment Cleaver route. Dominic reported moderate winds and firm route conditions, contributing to a smooth and efficient ascent.
Following their successful summit, the team returned to Camp Muir, where they will spend one final night before descending to Basecamp tomorrow.
Congratulations Team!
Oh ... man. Ice climbing on the lower Coleman Deming Glacier! Can’t go wrong there!
Posted by: Some guy from Puyallup on 8/28/2025 at 9:01 pm
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