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RMI Guide Jess Wedel led the four day climb to the summit of Mt Rainier this morning around 7:30am. They reported some notable winds, but otherwise a beautiful morning on the summit. They are on their descent back to Camp Muir and will be back in Ashford this afternoon. 

Great work team!

The Four Day Climb led by Joe Hoch and Leif Bergstrom reached approximately 13,100 feet before deciding to turn around due to conditions on the climbing route. The team is now descending toward Camp Muir and is expected back in the early afternoon.

Well done team! 

The Custom Four-Day Climb was unable to climb due to deteriorating route conditions. Instead, the enjoyed a beautiful sunrise at Ingraham Flats. They are currently at Camp Muir. They will descend back to Paradise later this morning and be back in Ashford this afternoon. 

Hello from Cusco, on our last night before the trail!

Today started about as well as a day can start: alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas, all of them looking slightly like cartoons come to life, all of them very willing to be fed by hand. Pure, uncomplicated joy.

We learned all about the fibers and the natural dyeing techniques from bugs to plants and had a chance to shop, of course.

From there, up to Sacsayhuamán, the massive stone fortress above the city, and then down on foot into Cusco itself for a walk through the old imperial center. “Stone with stone, no element in between,” Edgar told us, pointing out joints so tight you couldn’t slide a knife between the blocks. Limestone, interlocking, no mortar, nothing but precision holding it together. The Incas had a passion for perfectionism.

After a few more stops at the convent and the cathedral, we took some time to go through our gear and pare it down for the trail. We also have a passion for perfectionism, or something.

And then, the main dinner event — cuy. Guinea pig. A full plate and a genuinely brave showing from this group. Verdict, once everyone had worked up the nerve: chewy. Very chewy. Chewy cuy, we said. Would we order it again? Debatable. Do you have to try it once in Cusco? Also yes.

Bags are packed, boots are ready, and tomorrow we drive to the trailhead.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Machu Picchu team

Hello friends and family, 

Today we summited Shuksan! The team absolutely crushed it - it was the first time rock climbing for a few in the group, but we climbed the SE ridge smoothly and efficiently. On our way down we spent time checking out a crevasse and doing a bit of ice climbing. 

We are back at camp now with plans to walk out in the morning. 

RMI Guide Sam Hoffman 

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Paradise led by RMI Guide Calvin Jiricko concluded their week of training by standing on the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning.  The team spent several days on the lower slopes of Mt. Rainier with instruction and training, enjoying a wilderness experience and learning glacier travel skills. Yesterday the team bumped their gear to Camp Muir to launch for their summit attempt.  After enjoying some time in the crater their started their descent around 7 am.  The team will continue down to Paradise later this afternoon and conclude their program later today with a bit of celebration.

Nice work team!

We took off from the trailhead last night around 11 pm - the smoke had cleared up North and the stars were incredible! We walked in the darkness for around 5 hours until the light hit us about halfway up the glacier. It was a beautiful morning to summit Mount Baker and now many hours of walking and snacks later we are back at the cars and on our way home with tired but happy legs.

-RMI Guide Avery Stolte

RMI guide Dustin Wittmier and his team summitted Mt Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier on July 28th, 2026. 

Great work!

The Four Day climb led by RMI guides George Hedreen and Joe Crawford reached the summit of Mt Rainier this morning around 6am. They reported cool temperatures, but a lovely morning. They are currently on their descent back to Camp Muir and will be returning to Ashford this afternoon. 

Great work up there, team!

We left camp at 5:00 a.m. this morning with a light breeze, but otherwise beautiful conditions. Five hours of wonderful climbing took us to the top. After hanging out on top for 30 minutes, the clouds cleared and we were rewarded with views of the surrounding peaks. Now the team is back in our camp relaxing and enjoying an afternoon of coffee, ice cream (freeze dried) and napping. 

-RMI Guide Eric Frank