Entries By celeste wilson
Posted by: Tom Skoog, Felipe Guarderas, Jackson Breen, Celeste Wilson, Robert Whyte, Kat Porter, Lukas Bergsten, Gabriel Puhky
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Climbers were greeted with clear skies and calm winds as they made a successful ascent of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reached the summit under beautiful conditions, led by RMI Guides Tom Skoog and Felipe Guarderas.
After spending time on the summit, the teams have begun their descent and will return to Camp Muir before continuing down to Paradise later today.
Congratulations to all of today's climbers and guides on a successful summit day!
Posted by: Joe Crawford, Celeste Wilson, Julian Kral
Categories: Expedition Dispatches North Cascades
Elevation: 10,781'
Mount Baker season is here! We met at Bingham Park and got right into it. We framed our climb around team work and risk management, so we spent our morning setting that up with a thorough gear check and packing lesson. We laid out our plans and previewed how each segment plays into our team risk management strategy. The first day would be all about learning the pace and self-care we would need on the upper mountain. We quickly found a pace that could only be described as relentlessly moderate. After a couple hours of hiking in the cool temps we got to our rock outcrop at Sandy Camp. After a brief break to take in the views of the Sisters Range and the Puget Sound, we made a robust snow camp. Snow camping, we determined, is a craft best learned in the warm temps and long days near the Solstice.
The following day we used our Snow School to fill out our risk management plan by learning the skills to handle moving through snow and ice. Our morning hours were cool enough to provide the firm snow that makes school most rewarding. We learned to walk like French mountain guides (upright with a baguette in hand) and to climb in the heavy metal style of German technique. In the afternoon we roped up and learned to stop each other from falling down the mountain. A small, steep roll in the terrain provided the perfect place to develop trust in our teammates by flinging ourselves down the slope.
In the wee hours, we awoke and prepared for the climb ahead. We put our plan into play and began the climb uphill with the same group pace we learned on the way to camp. Our team was at the front of a line of 50 or so climbers. While some would pass us for a moment here and there, we managed to keep astride of all comers with our diligent, steady pace. After two of our comrades ended their climb at the crater rim, we carried on up the Roman Headwall. This final steep step tested our new cramponing skills as the boot track was crawling with people. We decided to step out of the track and were rewarded with perfect Styrofoam conditions for cramponing. At the summit, which we had to ourselves, we had a group dance party and took all the pictures.
Motivated by thoughts of Steak Fajitas and Margaritas, we descended swiftly through punchy snow, and down sandy trail to our cars at Park Butte TH. A short hour later, we shared a final meal at the ever-classic end-of-trip spot Lorenzo's.
- RMI Guide Joe Crawford
Posted by: Mike King, Calvin Jiricko, Celeste Wilson, CJ Rogers
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The five-day climb led my RMI Guide Mike King summitted Mt Rainier this morning around 6am PST. They reported a warm night of climbing and light winds. They are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir and will be back in Ashford tomorrow.
Great work team!
Posted by: Ben Luedtke, Nick Sinapius, Celeste Wilson, Erika Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The first RMI team of the 2026 Mt. Rainier season has reached the summit!
RMI Guide Ben Luedtke led the first Five Day Climb April 29 - 3 May. The group met Wednesday for their Orientation and Gear check, completed their Mountaineering School on Thursday and asended to Camp Muir on Friday. Yesterday the team trained near Camp Muir and this morning launched their alpine start. Ben and a small group of climbers reached the summit around 7 am. Ben reported sunny conditions with a light breeze and a beautiful day. The climbers will return to Camp Muir and then continue to Paradise this afternoon. We look forward to celebrating with them at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
Congratulations 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: Jess Wedel, Alan Davis, Jackson Breen, Will Ambler, Dylan Anderson, Rosie Hust, Celeste Wilson, Erika Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
This morning at 6:15 AM, the Four-Day Climb teams, led by RMI Guides Jess Wedel and Alan Davis, reached the crater rim of Mt. Rainier. The teams were rewarded with perfect weather and improved route conditions, allowing for a safe summit experience.
After taking in the views and celebrating on the summit, the teams made their way back to Camp Muir. There, they took time to rest, refuel, and reflect on the morning’s achievement before continuing their descent.
Now en route to Paradise, the teams are expected to arrive back at RMI Basecamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today’s climbers for their determination, teamwork, and a successful summit.
Posted by: Casey Grom, Dustin Wittmier, Arianna Drechsler, Julian Kral, Kat Porter, Celeste Wilson, Stella Johnson, Annie Chapman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
With calm and beautiful skies, the Four Day Climbs led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Dustin Wittmier reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams spent time on the summit enjoying the views of the 8,000' cloud deck blanketing the lower elevations. Currently on their descent to Camp Muir, the teams will be back in Ashford later this afternoon.
Congratulations climbers!
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Mac Nolde, Celeste Wilson, Annie Chapman
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Nikki Champion, Mac Nolde, Celeste Wilson and Annie Chapman led the Four Day Women's Climb July 28 - 31 to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Reports are clear skies, light breeze and overall beautiful day. The climbers reached the summit early this morning and after spending a bit of time at the summit, started their descent from the crater rim around 7 am. Once back at Camp Muir the teams will pack their gear and continue the last 4.5 miles down to Paradise. They will end the day with a celebration of their adventure.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Jess Wedel, George Hedreen, Stella Johnson, Celeste Wilson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,300'
The ALA Climb for Clean Air Team made an incredible push up Mt. Rainier, reaching the top of Disappointment Cleaver before high winds and a summit cloud cap made it unsafe to continue.
RMI Guide Jess Wedel reports the team is doing well and is now en route back to Camp Muir to regroup before descending to Paradise.
We’re proud of their strength, determination, and commitment to clean air for all.
Posted by: Will Ambler, Casey Grom, George Hedreen, Raymond Holt, Avery Stolte, Celeste Wilson, Margo Kerr, Erika Barrett
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 30 - 3 July led by RMI Guides Will Ambler and George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. They enjoyed some time in the crater before starting their descent around 7 am. Will reported sunny skies and light winds. The teams will return to Camp Muir for a short break and repack, then continue the final 4.5 miles down to Paradise. They will conclude their adventure this afternoon with a celebration at Rainier BaseCamp.
Congratulations to today's climbers!


Congratulations to this Amazing Team of Women! I’m with you in spirit! Safe journey to Basecamp!
Posted by: Kim Hansen on 7/31/2025 at 9:21 am
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