Entries from Mount Rainier
Posted by: Brent Okita, Jess Wedel, Raymond Holt, Brooks Ordway-Smith, Josh Geiser, David Rathbun, Miles Watson, Tate Hughes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Yes, it's official—Brent Okita has reached his 600th summit of Mt. Rainier, setting a world record for the most successful ascents of the iconic 14,410-foot peak! This incredible milestone was achieved during a Four-Day Climb led by Okita and fellow guide Jess Wedel. The team reached the summit early this morning, and they’re expected to return to basecamp this afternoon for a well-deserved celebration.
To put this into perspective, 600 summits equates to approximately 5.4 million feet of elevation gain—and that’s only counting successful climbs. It doesn’t include the countless additional feet from training, attempted climbs, or even biking from Ashford to Paradise. Brent’s dedication, endurance, and passion for mountaineering are truly legendary.
Congratulations also to the RMI Clients that were able to climb and share the rope with Brent and Jess today. It was very important to Brent that he accomplish this record while guiding RMI Clients to the top.
Posted by: Nick Sinapius, Mac Nolde
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
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:
- Never stretch, ever.
- 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
Posted by: Tom Skoog, Casey Grom, George Hedreen, Joe Crawford, Nicole De Petris, Arianna Drechsler, CJ Rogers, Brendan Oates
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb teams for June 8 - 12 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. RMI Guide Tom Skoog reported good conditions, clear skies and colder temperatures. The teams enjoyed some time in the summit crater before starting their descent from the crater rim around 7:15 am. Once back at Camp Muir, the teams will re-pack and continue down to Paradise. They will conclude their program this afternoon at Rainier BaseCamp.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Mitch Valaitis, Stella Johnson, Matt Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb June 7 - 11 led by RMI Guide Joe Hoch reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today with 100% of the team. We started in full moonlight and summited 100 percent on a perfect morning!
The climbers will return to Camp Muir for a sort break and to repack before beginning the final descent to Paradise. They will conclude their program later today at Rainier BaseCamp.
Congratulations to the team!
Congrats to the team! Having only made it to Camp Muir many years ago, I wish I could have been with them. I love the shot of Mt. Adams to the west where we did climb the Klickitat icefall.
Posted by: Gordon Gribble on 6/12/2025 at 2:23 am
Yayyyy!!! Congrats ♥️
Posted by: Nichole Hand on 6/11/2025 at 7:44 am
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Ben Thorneycroft, Felipe Guarderas, Layne Peters
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expeditions Skills Seminar - Kautz June 6 - 11 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning via the Kautz Glacier route. After several days of training the team put their skills to the test ascending the Kautz Ice chute and Wapowety Cleaver. They reached Point Success at 8:50 am and crossed to Columbia Crest, the true summit of Mt. Rainier 14,410' arriving at 9:12 am. The team enjoyed a bit of time in the crater and then began their descent. They will return to camp for a well deserved rest and spend a final night on the mountain. Tomorrow they will continue their descent to Paradise, returning to Rainier BaseCamp to conclude their program.
Way to go team!
PC: Felipe Guarderas & Layne Peters
Another great climb, Sam!! Love reading some of the details — stay safe!
Gram & Gramp ❤️
Posted by: Jeri Marjerison on 6/11/2025 at 8:26 am
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: Henry Coppolillo, Bailey Servais, Bryan Mazaika, Tom Skoog, Stella Johnson, Sam Hoffman, Miles Watson, CJ Rogers
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
Good morning!
The Four Day Climb of Mt. Rainier led by RMI Guides Henry Coppolillo and Bailey Servais reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 5:20 am PT this morning. Both teams went 100% to the summit--an incredible achievement! The guides reported beautiful weather and a great climbing route! The teams are currently descending and will be back in Ashford at Rainier Base Camp later this afternoon.
Congratuations to today's climbers!
Posted by: Brent Okita, George Hedreen, Nicole De Petris, Mitch Valaitis, Margo Kerr, Fitz Elder, Mark Tucker, Imogen Von Mertens
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb June 3 - 6 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. The ropes teams were walking into the crater rim around 6:30 am PT. It's a beautiful day with clear skies. This marks summit #599 for RMI Guide Brent Okita. Wow!
After enjoying some time in the crater the teams will descend to Camp Muir and then Paradise later today.
Congratulations to all of today's climbers.
Brent is awesome!!! xox
Posted by: Jill Caven on 6/6/2025 at 10:02 am
Amazing!! Congrats !!
Posted by: Hélène Coulombe on 6/6/2025 at 8:47 am
Posted by: Eric Frank, Joe Hoch, Dylan Anderson, Mitch Valaitis, Layne Peters, Arianna Drechsler, Jack Ritterson, Brooks Ordway-Smith, David Rathbun
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
RMI Guides Eric Frank and Joe Hoch led their Four Day Climb June 2 - 5 to the summit of Mt. Rainier today. They reached the summit shortly after 7 am and reported clear skies and light winds. The teams will enjoy some time in the crater before starting their descent back to Camp Muir. After a short stop, they will continue down to Paradise and return to Rainier BaseCamp later this afternoon.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
PC: Layne Peters & Joe Hoch
I’m so thankful to have met and climbed (to Muir) with this group of people. There was so much positivity and honesty amongst this group of strangers. It was inspiring to watch each person climb and battle their way to the summit and back. RMI’s guides are beyond impressive. The strength you all posses is incredible. To do what you do AND be personable AND lighthearted is truly a gift. I cant say enough about all the things you had to juggle to make this trip a success. Thank you to everyone for making this one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Posted by: Nate on 6/6/2025 at 9:53 am
After a week of skills training, glacier travel, and expedition-style living, the Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons team stood on the summit of Mt. Rainier! Led by RMI Guide James Bealer, the team made their summit push in good conditions, capping off a challenging and rewarding week on the mountain’s remote east side.
The Emmons Glacier route offers a more secluded and wilderness-based experience compared to the more-traveled routes on Rainier. Over the course of the program, climbers practiced essential mountaineering techniques including ice axe arrest, crampon use, rope travel, crevasse rescue, and glacier navigation—all while camping on the mountain and gradually acclimating.
The team's summit push began in the early hours, moving steadily under clear skies and calm winds. They reached the summit crater with views stretching across the Cascades—proof of their perseverance, preparation, and teamwork throughout the week. After taking time to enjoy the moment and snap some summit photos, they began their descent back toward camp.
Congratulations to the team!
That is Incredible Brent!! Congrats!!! I was lucky to have climbed with you a few years ago.
You Rock!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/14/2025 at 3:29 am
Holy smokes. That is a lot of Rainier summits. Congrats to Brent! (I probably will have to drink a Rainier beer on his behalf.)
Posted by: Some guy from Puyallup on 6/13/2025 at 2:04 pm
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