Entries By david rathbun
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Seth Burns, Felipe Guarderas, Dylan Anderson, Celeste Wilson, David Rathbun, Marissa Tremblay, Gabriel Puhky
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI's four-day climb led by guides Joe Hoch and Felipe Guarderas reached the summit of Mt Rainier this morning around 6:20am. They reported sunshine with a light breeze and a trace of new snow. They are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir and will return to Ashford this afternoon.
Great work everyone!

Posted by: Seth Burns, David Rathbun, Annie Chapman, Dan Harper, Jackson Breen, Julian Kral, Oliver Sperin, Aidan Whitelaw
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,300'
The Four Day Climb teams led by Seth Burns and Jackson Breen reached a high point of 12,300 feet on Disappointment Cleaver before making the decision to turn around. Despite the clear skies above, recent storm snow, challenging route conditions, and difficult travel all contributed to the call to stop their ascent short of the summit.
Well done to the team for their hard work!
Sometimes it is wise to turn around. It’s a hard decision, yet most likely the right one. Live to see another day, then try again! Great update! God Bless!
Posted by: Harriette Chiavacci on 6/28/2026 at 4:55 pm
Being on the safe side is always a good choice. Been there done that on the Emmons Glacier Route years ago. Maybe next time you’ll reach the summit.
Keep on trekking.
Posted by: Monika on 6/28/2026 at 4:19 pm
Posted by: Seth Burns, Calvin Jiricko, Lael Butler, Layne Peters, Matt Tucker, David Rathbun, Oliver Sperin, Oliver Kendall
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb teams for June 20 - 23 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 6:40 am. The team reported great conditions and a beautiful day. They will descend to Camp Muir, take a short break and continue down to Paradise later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers.
Photos: Seth Burns
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Tom Skoog, Calvin Jiricko, David Rathbun, Sam Traylor, Ben Stimson, Lukas Bergsten, Marissa Tremblay
Categories: Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Teams led by guides Dustin Wittmier and Tom Skoog made it to the top of Mt Rainier this morning around 6:15am. After several days of extremely high winds, they reported light winds and nice temperatures. They will return to Ashford this afternoon.
Great work, team!
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Stella Johnson, David Rathbun, Dan Harper
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,200'
The Four Day Climb June 13 - 16 led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison turned around at 12,200' today due to high winds. The teams returned to Camp Muir around 6:30, they enjoyed a bit of a rest and then started their descend from Camp Muir to Paradise around 8:45 am. They will return to Rainier Base Camp around noon today and complete their program.
Posted by: Henry Coppolillo, Nick Sinapius, Robert Whyte, David Rathbun, Annie Chapman, Sam Traylor, Dan Harper, Oliver Sperin
Categories: Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,500'
RMI teams led by guides Henry Coppolillo and Nick Sinapius attempted to summit Mt Rainier this morning, but turned around at 11,500', just above Ingraham Flats due to deteriorating route conditions.They returned to Camp Muir and are on their descent back to Paradise. They will be back in Ashford this afternoon.
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Miles Watson, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier and team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today via the Emmons Glacier. The team met at Rainier BaseCamp on Saturday May 23 for a full day Orientation, Equipment Check and pre-climb prep. The following day the team spent the day training above Paradise practicing glacier travel, ice axe arrest and cramponing. Packed and ready at 7 am on Monday morning, the team left Ashford headed for the White River Trailhead. The team ascended to the Inter Glacier where they set up camp and spent the night. Yesterday, the team bumped to Camp Schurman and then launched their summti attempt early this morning. By 7 am they were at 14,000' on their descent. They will return to Camp Schurman to spend the night. Tomorrow they may do a bit more training before they retrace their steps to the trailhead and make the drive back to Ashford.
Way to go team!
Great job to all!! Especially Nathan, amazing perseverance, son!! Soo very proud if you!!
Posted by: Tom Wredberg on 5/28/2026 at 10:19 am
Great job guys!!! I knew you guys could do it. Just amazing.
Posted by: Phillip Daniel on 5/27/2026 at 6:38 pm
Posted by: Sam Hoffman, Hannah Billings, Annie Chapman, George Hedreen, Stella Johnson, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,080'
The Four Day Climb May 13 - 17 reached Camp Muir yesterday afternoon weathering the difficult conditions with smiles on their faces dispite the snow flakes whipping through the air.
Once the team reached Camp Muir, they were treated to clear skies above and a cloud deck below 9,900'. The team was unable to make a summit attempt due to the weather including several feet of new snow causing unsafe conditions. They are descending from Camp Muir and will return to Rainier BaseCamp in the early afternoon.
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Mike Bennett, Avery Stolte, Layne Peters, Tate Hughes, Nina Bridges, Julian Kral, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 17 - 20 led by RMI Guides Dustin Wittmier and Mike Bennett reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams delayed their departure from Camp Muir a bit due to the colder tempertures, with a 2 am departure, they reached the summit around 8 am. They enjoyed some time on the summit before turning around and retracing their steps. Once back at Camp Muir the team will repack and continue their descent to Paradise.
Nice work team!
Awesome Dustin!!!
Very Cool Pictures!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 8/21/2025 at 3:45 am
Posted by: Tom Skoog, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise team led by RMI Guides Tom Skoog and David Rathbun put their week of training to the test this morning and climbed to the summit of Mt. Rainier. The team has spent the last several days climbing and training. They pushed up to Camp Muir yesterday and with an alpine start this morning enjoyed the sunrise from the upper slopes of the mountain. The team started their descent from the crater rim around 7 am. Once back at Camp Muir they will take a quick break and continue down to Paradise to conclude their climb. They will celebrate their accomplishments later today in Ashford.
Nice work team!
PC: Tom Skoog


Way to go! Congrats on summiting!
-MGS
Posted by: Sam S on 7/3/2026 at 10:44 am
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