RMI Expeditions Blog
We had a nice sunny hot day for our approach to camp, and were able to get in a full snow school, even getting a walk in on the Easton Glacier. But as happens on Mt Baker sometimes, the forecasted few hours of rain turned into 18 hours in the tents. Still, the group was in high spirits and thankful for the beautiful views and training.
- RMI Guide Joe Hoch

Posted by: Eric Frank, Calvin Jiricko, Celeste Wilson, Gabriel Puhky
Categories: Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The custom Four Day climb led by RMI guide Eric Frank made it to the summit this morning. They were leaving the crater around 7am on their descent back to Camp Muir. They will return to Ashford this afternoon.
Great work everyone!
Posted by: Mike King, Miles Watson, Marissa Tremblay, Megan Ochalek
Categories: Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day climb led by RMI guide Mike King made their summit attempt on their second night at Camp Muir, and found summit success! They were leaving the crater rim around 6:50am starting their decent back to Camp Muir. They will briefly break at Camp Muir before starting their descent back to Paradise.They will return to Ashford this afternoon.
Great work up there!
Hello from Cusco!
We made it. Though “made it” is a relative term for a group that survived delayed flights, rebooked tickets, and enough all-night travel to qualify as its own endurance event. But every duffel and every human is here, upright, and (mostly) coherent. We’ll take it.
Today’s whole job was: recuperate. And that we did. Some wandered the streets a bit, some rested and most of us consumed our first coca and muña teas. Definitely not our last.
Then this afternoon we gathered for our first team meeting — introductions, the shape of the next 10 days, and the buzz of a team coming together.
Cusco is not a city you see, it’s a city you feel. With its narrow cobblestone streets, worn smooth by about a thousand years of foot traffic. Terracotta pots hang off white walls. Immovable gray stone sits shoulder to shoulder with European facades, and somehow none of it argues with the other. Then color just erupts everywhere it can: pinks, blues, greens, color forever.
We closed the day with our first team dinner. Authentic Peruvian — lomo saltado, osobucco, potatoes and corn galore. (Nom nom nom, no notes.)
Ten days, one incredible crew, and Salkantay and Machu Picchu waiting on the other side. We’re just getting started.
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Machu Picchu team

New Post Alerts:
Machu Picchu Trek August 1, 2026
Posted by: Felipe Guarderas, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,786'
8/1: Just wanted to give you a quick update about our trip to Baker.
All went smooth. Weather was great for the climbing days. Bad weather came in as we where hiking out. All clients reached the summit in good style.
The climb was fun and the ridge is in good condition still. Creavases are starting to open a bit, but still manageable and safe. We had a great time.
- RMI Guide Felipe Guarderas

Posted by: Nikki Champion, Tate Hughes, Sam Traylor, Edward Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,300'
The Four Day Climb led by Nikki Champion turned at the top of the Cleaver this morning due to high winds. They'll descend from Camp Muir around 9am and return back to Basecamp in Ashford this afternoon.
My husband is Alex Fagen. My son is Brandon Fagen. Is this the right expedition? Did they have to turn around?
Posted by: Susan Fagen on 8/2/2026 at 6:45 pm
Yesterday, July 31st, RMI guide Avery Stolte and her team summitted Mt Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys. They descended back to the trailhead today.
Congrats on a successful trip!
RMI guide Dustin Wittmier and his team summitted Mt Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier on July 28th, 2026.
Great work!
Posted by: Mike Bennett, Stella Johnson, Dominic Cifelli, Hannah Billings, Tate Hughes, Dan Harper, Oliver Sperin, Lukas Bergsten
Categories: Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
This morning at 6:30am, the Four Day climb led by RMI guide Mike Bennett and Stella Johnson reached the summit of Mt Rainier. They were leaving the crater around 7am and are currently on their way back to Camp Muir. They will return to Ashford this afternoon.
Great work everyone!
Congrats on making the summit to all!
Posted by: Nancy Bywater on 8/1/2026 at 10:03 am
Posted by: Jackson Breen, George Hedreen, Seth Burns, Drew O’Brien, Annie Chapman, Oliver Kendall, Edward Barrett, Liam Moore
Categories: Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four-Day climb led by RMI guides Jackson Breen and George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt Rainier this morning around 5:45am. They reported beautiful weather and a lovely morning to stand on top. They are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir and will return to Ashford this afternoon.
Great work up there!
So proud of both of you and your team! Amazing views. I hope you had an adventure of a lifetime! We look forward to seeing you soon and to seeing all the photos and hearing all about the adventure. We love you both so much.
Posted by: Kavita Erickson on 8/3/2026 at 7:59 am


Looking good. Whoever wrote up today is an excellent writer. Glad to see Ben made it.
Posted by: Jacqueline Hutchins on 8/3/2026 at 8:22 pm
Way to go, Lori and team. I remember my journey to Machu Picchu years ago and it was memorable. Enjoy every second. Safe travels.
Posted by: Lee Hoedl on 8/3/2026 at 3:23 pm
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