Entries By lael butler
Posted by: Jess Wedel, Mike Bennett, Lael Butler, Matt Kelly, Oliver Shapiro, George Hedreen, Nina Bridges, Brendan Oates
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climbs enjoyed clear skies and a light breeze on the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Led by RMI Guides Jess Wedel and Mike Bennett, the teams were able to enjoy the views from the summit before beginning their descent around 7:30 am. The teams will be back in Ashford this afternoon to celebrate.
Way to climb!
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Ben Luedtke, Lael Butler, Felipe Guarderas, Calvin Jiricko, Erika Barrett, Kat Porter, Julian Kral
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'




The Five Day Climb July 26 - 30 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today! Led by RMI Guides Dominic Cifelli and Ben Luedtke, the team reached the crater under blue skies and excellent conditions. They enjoyed some time in the crater before starting their descent. The teams will return to Camp Muir for a well-deserved night's rest before contining the remaining 4.5 miles to Paradise tomorrow.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
PC: Ben Luedtke
Amazing trip! Thanks to all ... Cheers, Barry
Posted by: Barry French on 7/30/2025 at 5:01 pm
Congrats to my amazing wife Hsiaolei Miller! What an accomplishment! Thank you RMI team for taking such amazing care of her - and everyone who participated!
Posted by: Jaclyn Miller on 7/29/2025 at 6:17 pm
RMI Guide Lael Butler and a custom client team reached the summit of Mt. Baker via the North Ridge Route—a legendary alpine climb featuring steep ice, exposed ridgelines, and unforgettable views.
Despite some clouds and light winds, the team crushed a two-day push to the top, navigating multiple pitches of alpine ice and snow with skill and determination.
Huge congrats to the climber and guide for an epic ascent of one of the Northwest’s most iconic routes!
Posted by: Seth Burns, Lael Butler, Felipe Guarderas, Layne Peters, Avery Stolte, Mac Nolde, Erika Barrett, Ben Porter
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'



The Five Day Climb June 20 - 24 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at around 7:30 am this morning. After spending an hour on the summit enjoying their accomplishment, the teams started their descent back to Camp Muir. Once back at Camp Muir they will savor some much needed rest and enjoy a day of training on the upper mountain. After spending one more night at Camp Muir the teams will desend to Paradise and return to Rainier Basecamp in the afternoon tomorrow to celebrate their success.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Casey Grom, Lael Butler, Mitch Valaitis, Brooks Ordway Smith, Julian Kral, Felipe Guarderas, CJ Rogers, Simon Kearns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climbs led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Lael Butler reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning! The teams were on the summit around 7:45 am and enjoying the beautiful weather. We look forward to seeing them back in Ashford later this afternoon.
Congratulations climbers!
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Lael Butler, Jack Ritterson, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'




The Five Day climb June 5 - 9 led by RMI Guide Dave Hahn reached the summit at 5 am today. It's a beatiful blue-bird day. They enjoyed an hour in the summit crater before starting their descent from the crater rim at 6 am. The team is currently on their descent to Camp Muir. Once back at camp they will take a short break to repack their gear and then continue the final 4,500' descent to Paradise.
Nice work team!
Way to go!! Great job to the whole team! What an accomplishment
Posted by: Kathy Walls on 6/9/2025 at 8:19 pm
Posted by: Casey Grom, Lael Butler, Sam Hoffman, Layne Peters
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'


RMI Guide Casey Grom led the Four-Day Climb from May 30 to June 2, reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning.
Casey reported breezy and cold conditions, but the team was rewarded with a rare and stunning view of the northern lights. The group climbed well, with six of the eight climbers successfully reaching the summit.
At approximately 7:15 a.m., the team began their descent from the crater rim, and is making their way back to Camp Muir. After a brief rest and repack, they’ll continue the final 4.5 miles down to Paradise. The team is expected to return to Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Great job, team!
PC: Layne Peters
Super cool. (Didn’t even realize the northern lights were even visible over here at this point in time.)
Posted by: Some guy from Puyallup on 6/3/2025 at 11:39 am
I’m still riding the high of our summit two days ago!
Mike B. - I know you were taking some pictures/video on your cell phone as we neared the top and the sunrise was happening. Can you share them with us here like we see posted on some of the other summits?
Thanks again to you all for such an incredible experience!
Posted by: Brian Hargraves on 8/4/2025 at 9:45 am
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