Entries from Mount Rainier
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leif Bergstrom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,900'
On August 7, 2025, the RMI Expeditions Four Day Climb, led by guides Brent Okita and Leif Bergstrom, made the difficult but wise decision to turn around at 12,900 feet due to challenging route conditions. The team was greeted with sunny skies and stunning views above a thick marine layer, a reminder of the mountain’s ever-changing beauty and unpredictability.
While the summit remained out of reach this time, the climb was far from a disappointment. Every step taken on Mount Rainier is a testament to preparation, teamwork, and respect for nature’s power.
The decision to turn back is never easy, especially when the weather above is clear and inviting. But it’s precisely in these moments that true mountaineering wisdom shines.
The team’s effort, spirit, and camaraderie made this climb a success in its own right.
Posted by: Avery Stolte, Nina Bridges
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 10,781'
Our Mt. Baker August 4 - 6 Climb led by RMI Guide Avery Stolte reached the summit via the Easton Glacier yesterday. The teams enjoyed a nice cloud cover which provided cool temperatures. They enjoyed a clear day with views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic mountains from their vantage point. After reaching the summit, they returned to camp for their second and final night on the mountain. Today the descended to the trailhead and concluded their adventure.
Nice work team!
PC: Avery Stolte
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Ben Luedtke, Ben Thorneycroft, Mac Nolde, Simon Kearns, Jack Ritterson, Ben Porter, Oliver Shapiro
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
We had high hopes as we left Camp Muir for our summit attempt. But as we crossed the Cowlitz Glacier, a misty rain started, which turned into a stout blizzard at Ingraham Flats.
The team climbed well through the weather, but we started losing the fight to stay dry. We returned to Camp Muir safely.
We will be leaving Camp Muir around 9:30 am for our final walk down to Paradise.
RMI Guide Joe Hoch
PC: Joe Hoch
Posted by: Nick Sinapius, Tate Hughes
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise July 31 - 5 August led by RMI Guide NIck Sinapius ended their program on a high today, reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The team gathered on Ashford last Thursday to begin their training, check their equipment and pack their packs. The following morning they loaded the van and headed to Paradise. The spent the next four days training on the lower slopes of Mt. Rainier. The team enjoyed nice weather as they learned and practice mountaineering skills to prepare for them for their Mt. Rainier climb and also future mountaineering adventures. Today, with their summit attempt complete, they are now on the descend and will return to Paradise later today. Their program will conclude with a celebration of their accomplishments.
Congratulations to the Paradise Seminar team!
PC: Nick Sinapius
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Joe Crawford, Hannah Blum, Hannah Billings, David Rathbun, Matt Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 2 - 5, 2025 led by RMI Guides Dominic Cifelli and Joe Crawford reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams reported a beautiful day on the mountain with a little wind a little precipatation while they were on the summit. They enjoyed a bit of time in the crater before starting their descent. The teams are heading back to Camp Muir, and after a quick break will continue the remaining 4.5 miles to Paradise to complete their climb. Once back at BaseCamp they will enjoy a bit of celebration to conclude their adventure.
Nice work today team!
PC: Dominic Cifelli
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'
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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: Sam Hoffman, Tom Skoog, Ben Thorneycroft, Calvin Jiricko, Miles Watson, Rosie Hust, CJ Rogers, Brooks Ordway-Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb July 31 - 3 August led by RMI Guides Sam Hoffman and Tom Skoog reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The teams reported nice day and a smooth climb. The teams were at 13,800' on their descent en route to Camp Muir. Once back at camp the teams will repack and continue the final 4,500' to Paradise and then continue to Ashford to conclude their program.
Congratulations to today's climbers.
PC: Tom Skoog
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!
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
Posted by: Joe Hoch, Joe Crawford, Bailey Servais, Hannah Blum, Ben Porter, Ben Luedtke, Hannah Billings, Simon Kearns
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
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Today, the Four-Day Climb, led by RMI Guides Joe Hoch and Joe Crawford, successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier!
In a fun twist of trail magic, both groups were guided by not one, but two Joes, two Hannahs, and two Bens — in addition to Bailey and Simon, who helped keep things from getting too confusing! With this strong and experienced team at the helm, the climbers were in great hands every step of the way.
The teams pushed through some smokey conditions on their ascent and were rewarded with beautiful clear skies upon reaching the crater. After soaking in the views from the top, the climbers began their descent to Camp Muir, where they’ll pack up before continuing the remaining 4,500’ down to Paradise this afternoon.
Congratulations to today’s climbers on an incredible accomplishment!
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Reading this update with tears of joy in my eyes!! I am just SO so happy for you all but especially my awesome husband, Christoph!! I am so very proud of you, you made this dream, 13 years in the making, come true! Ich liebe dich überalles! Du bist meine Liebe meines Lebens
Posted by: Anna Graf on 8/1/2025 at 11:24 am
Posted by: Sam Marjerison, Raymond Holt, Jack Ritterson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 12,900'
The Kautz Seminar Team July 27 - 1 August led by RMI Guide Sam Marjerison has spent the last several days training and climbing. They began their climb of Mt. Rainier from Paradise on July 29 ascending to camp near the Wilson Glacier. They spent time learning crevasse rescue skills, setting anchors and belays and worked on technical ice climbing skills before starting their summit attempt. The team climbed strong through the Kautz Ice chute this morning, reaching an elevation of 12,900'. At that point, deterioration weather forced them to retreat. They will spend another night at camp, perhaps get in a bit more training, and then descend to Paradise tomorrow. They will conclude their adventure in Ashford tomorrow afternoon.
Strong climbing team!
Awesome work staying safe annd being smart! I know that you are deeply disappointed. You’ve waited years for this day, I hope the experience has been awe-inspiring and has just fueled the fire for the next time
Posted by: Anna Graf on 8/1/2025 at 1:12 am
Thank you for your caution and professional decision. You had my beautiful daughter among your team.
Posted by: Nancy Till on 8/8/2025 at 3:42 pm
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