Entries By mac nolde

Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons June 10 – June 12,  2025

We left Ashford early this morning, buzzing with anticipation and a healthy dose of nerves. By 9:00 AM, we had arrived at White River Campground, ready to begin our ascent. The trail greeted us with dry forest paths, but it wasn’t long before we were surrounded by high alpine meadows still blanketed in snow.

From there, we climbed up the Inter Glacier and made camp at 7,800 feet. It was our first real day of glacier travel, and it didn’t disappoint. We learned a lot—some of it the hard way—but two lessons stood out:

1. Never stretch, ever.
2. Just keep breathing.

Tomorrow, we’ll move up to Camp Schurman, spend the day training, and prepare for our summit push on the 12th.

Summit Day: June 12

At 10:40 AM, every single member of our team stood on the summit of Mount Rainier.
100% success.
6 hours and 45 minutes to the top.
One strong, determined team.

The climb was tough, but the views—and the feeling of standing on top—made every step worth it. We’re currently descending back to Camp Schurman, tired but proud.

Tomorrow, we’ll descend to the trailhead and wrap up this unforgettable journey. This climb tested us, taught us, and brought us closer together. We’ll carry these memories (and a few sore muscles) with us for a long time.

Until the next adventure,
 

Nick, Mac, and the Crew

The Four-Day Climb with Dominic Cifelli & Sam Marjerison turned around at High Break (13,600’) today due to high winds and heavy clouds forming on the upper mountain during their ascent. The team is en route back to Camp Muir and should return to Basecamp early this afternoon.

Congratulations to the team on a strong climb!

The Four Day Climb August 17 - 20 led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Raymond Holt and Mac Nolde reached the summit of Mt. Rainier just before 7 am today. Pete reported winds 10-20 mph and a descending cloud cap.  The team spent a short time at the crater before starting their descent.  They are en route to Camp Muir and once there will take a quick break before continuing down to Paradise.  The group will end their adventure with a short celebration later this afternoon.

Nice work team!

The Four Day Climb Led by Joe Hoch and George Hedreen climbed to 12,900' but were stopped by ice fall activity that coverd the current climbing route. The team is safely back at Camp Muir and will be returning to Paradise in the early afternoon. 

RMI Guides Dan May and Mike Bennet led their Four Day Climb August 5 - 8 to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Skies are clear with a light breeze.  The teams were able to spend some time in the crater before starting their descent from the crater rim around 7 am. They will return to Camp Muir, take a short break and then continue down to Paradise.

Nice work today teams!

The Four Day Climb August 1 - 4 led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer & Joey Manship reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 4:30 am today. The teams are currently working their way back to Camp Muir with sunshine and blue skies. They will continue their descent to Paradise later this morning.

Congratulations to today's climbers!

The Four Day Climb Led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Roland Scott reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Brent Okita reported a beautiful day on the summit with great route conditions. The team is on the descent and will be back at Rainier Basecamp this afternoon to celebrate. 

Congratulations Team! 

RMI Guides Dan May and Mac Nolde summitted Mt. Baker with our Footprints of Fight team right at sunset. They enjoyed beautiful couple of days training and honing their mountaineering skills at the base of an iconic peak in the Cascades.

Congrats team!

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons reached the summit of Mt. Rainier via the Emmons Glacier mid-morning. The Team dodged the worst of the wind, but it was still quite gusty. They will return to Camp Schurman and finish out their week of alpine skills training preparing for future big mountain adventures.

Congratulations Team! 

The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Drew O'Brien reached 13,200' before route conditions forced the team to turn. The team is back at Camp Muir and will be returning to Rainier Basecamp in Ashford, WA this afternoon.

Congratulations Team!