Entries from Expedition Dispatches
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Tatum Whatford, Raymond Holt, Mac Nolde, Kayanna Hopkins, Jack Ritterson, Matt Tucker, Erika Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 7 - 10 led by RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier & Tatumn Whatford reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 6:30 am today. Tatum reported that it was a little windy and a little cold but it was turning into a beautiful morning on the mountain. The teams spent about an hour in the summit crater before starting their descent. Once back at Camp Muir they will take a quick break and repack their gear before contining the final 4.5 miles to Paradise.
Congratulations to today's teams!
PC: Tatum Whatford
Shira Camp!
We made it up to 12,400 ft and reached our westernmost camp. Actually, we climbed even a little higher before dropping down to finish the day. We left the big trees behind and ascended steeply through Giant Heather, eventually passing our first senecios and lobelias. We were above a sea of clouds—and sometimes below an upper deck of clouds as well. Conditions were pleasant: not too hot, not too cold, and not too windy.
Today, we got our hands on the rock in a few places. It was great to spice things up with the short rock steps we needed to traverse and scale. But ultimately, the best part of the day was finishing the climb and turning the corner at the edge of the Shira Plateau.
We had an easy afternoon in our new camp—eating, drinking, resting, and watching the sun set.
—RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari August 5, 2025
Posted by: Seth Burns, George Hedreen
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Early this morning, the Five Day Climb team, led by Seth Burns and George Hedreen, reached the summit of Mt. Rainier via the iconic Disappointment Cleaver route. The ascent was graced with stunning views and crisp mountain air.
As they stepped onto the summit, smiles and cheers filled the air.
At 7:00 AM, they departed the crater rim and began their journey back to Camp Muir. From there, they’ll continue to Basecamp later this afternoon, bringing with them stories, memories, and a well-earned sense of accomplishment.
Congratulations to Seth, George, and the entire team on a successful summit and a safe descent!
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We’ve begun!! After so much anticipation and travel and preparation, today we finally started walking. Getting from Rivertrees to the Machame Gate of the National Park all went smoothly, as did the final steps of getting permitted for the climb. We began walking at 11 AM, following Freddy, one of our local guides, through cloud and light mist. The day was spent winding through big trees, at first in a rain forest. Over the course of six hours the trees got smaller and things got drier as we eventually climbed through the clouds into sunshine. At 10,000 ft we strolled into a perfectly constructed camp and moved right in. We even got a brief view of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s central peak, just before the sun went down and the full moon rose. Our team was excited to sit down to a great dinner and then just as excited to hit the sleeping bags--folks are still feeling the jet lag of shifting all those time zones in short order. But somehow it is better to be feeling it in a camp under the stars, partway up a beautiful mountain.
Best,
Dave Hahn
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New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari August 5, 2025
Posted by: Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
It wasn’t easy, but we got our Kilimanjaro climbing team together in Usariver, Tanzania. Today was meant to be an easy day of gear sorting and packing at the comfortable and quiet Rivertrees Inn—under the watchful eyes of curious monkeys. But with flight delays and reroutes, some of our team just barely made it into town in time for the climb—and predictably, the airlines lost their luggage. So it was a bit of a scramble—greatly aided by our Arusha-based outfitter, Barking Zebra—to come up with the required equipment on short notice. We think we’ve got it.
Dinner—our first face-to-face meeting for the complete team—was pleasant and relaxed despite the gear deficit. The hotel staff surprised Lisa, and all of us, by recognizing her birthday with a beautiful cake. Things are coming together, and we’re excited to get on the highest mountain in Africa tomorrow morning.
Best regards,
Dave
New Post Alerts:
Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari August 5, 2025
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,900'
On August 7, 2025, the RMI Expeditions Four Day Climb, led by guides Brent Okita and Leif Bergstrom, made the difficult but wise decision to turn around at 12,900 feet due to challenging route conditions. The team was greeted with sunny skies and stunning views above a thick marine layer, a reminder of the mountain’s ever-changing beauty and unpredictability.
While the summit remained out of reach this time, the climb was far from a disappointment. Every step taken on Mount Rainier is a testament to preparation, teamwork, and respect for nature’s power.
The decision to turn back is never easy, especially when the weather above is clear and inviting. But it’s precisely in these moments that true mountaineering wisdom shines.
The team’s effort, spirit, and camaraderie made this climb a success in its own right.
Posted by: Will Ambler, Bailey Servais
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 9,131'
RMI Guides Will Ambler and Bailey Servais led their team to the summit of Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys route. The team enjoyed clear skies and a bit of sunshine as they climbed above the clouds. On the descent, a rainstorm moved in, making for a soggy finish. The team picked up the pace — even running at times — and made it safely back to the trailhead this afternoon.
Congratulations to the team!
Posted by: Avery Stolte, Nina Bridges
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,781'
Our Mt. Baker August 4 - 6 Climb led by RMI Guide Avery Stolte reached the summit via the Easton Glacier yesterday. The teams enjoyed a nice cloud cover which provided cool temperatures. They enjoyed a clear day with views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic mountains from their vantage point. After reaching the summit, they returned to camp for their second and final night on the mountain. Today the descended to the trailhead and concluded their adventure.
Nice work team!
PC: Avery Stolte
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Ben Luedtke, Ben Thorneycroft, Mac Nolde, Simon Kearns, Jack Ritterson, Ben Porter, Oliver Shapiro
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
We had high hopes as we left Camp Muir for our summit attempt. But as we crossed the Cowlitz Glacier, a misty rain started, which turned into a stout blizzard at Ingraham Flats.
The team climbed well through the weather, but we started losing the fight to stay dry. We returned to Camp Muir safely.
We will be leaving Camp Muir around 9:30 am for our final walk down to Paradise.
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
PC: Joe Hoch
Posted by: Nick Sinapius, Tate Hughes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise July 31 - 5 August led by RMI Guide NIck Sinapius ended their program on a high today, reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The team gathered on Ashford last Thursday to begin their training, check their equipment and pack their packs. The following morning they loaded the van and headed to Paradise. The spent the next four days training on the lower slopes of Mt. Rainier. The team enjoyed nice weather as they learned and practice mountaineering skills to prepare for them for their Mt. Rainier climb and also future mountaineering adventures. Today, with their summit attempt complete, they are now on the descend and will return to Paradise later today. Their program will conclude with a celebration of their accomplishments.
Congratulations to the Paradise Seminar team!
PC: Nick Sinapius
Thank you for your caution and professional decision. You had my beautiful daughter among your team.
Posted by: Nancy Till on 8/8/2025 at 3:42 pm
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