Senior Guide
With RMI
Haugen is a full-time educator splitting his time between a high school Chemistry classroom in Cherry Creek, Colorado, and teaching people how to climb mountains on expeditions around the world. His love for the mountains was fostered at age 16 when he began rock climbing and soon thereafter focusing on climbing bigger mountains in the Rockies and worldwide. Haugen began guiding for RMI in 2003 after pursuing a degree in biology and a master’s in evolutionary physiology at THE Ohio State University. Mike is passionate about education and climbing and finds a balance between the two with guiding, teaching, and developing national and local outdoor programs designed to get kids outside and active.
146 | Mt. Rainier, Washington, USA | 14,410' (several routes)
14 | Mt. McKinley, Alaska, USA | 20,310' (expeditions)
2 | Mt. Everest (South Col), Nepal | 29,032'
1 | Lobuche East, Nepal | 20,161'
1 | Island Peak, Nepal | 20,305'
1 | Vinson Massif, Antarctica | 16,050'
1 | Aconcagua, Argentina | 22,832'
1 | Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA | 11,239'
1 | Cotopaxi, Ecuador | 19,348'
1 | Tungurahua, Ecuador | 16,480'
1 | Pico de Orizaba, Mexico | 18,491'
Multiple | North Cascades Peaks, Washington, USA
1 | Mt. Olympus, Washington, USA | 7,829' (single-day push, 45 mi round trip)
50 | U.S. State Highpoints, USA | completed in 45 days
Multiple | Rock, Ice Climbing & Skiing (United States)
RMI Expeditions Guides are required to hold a number of certifications, but many go above and beyond with their technical and outdoor training. We actively encourage (and provide funding for) our guides' continuing education.
LNT Level 1 Instructor
November 2, 2025
Program Name
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- Name
Mountaineering
The Four Day Rainier Climb is the classic route to the summit of Mount Rainier and the most common path climbers take into high-altitude mountaineering, following the standard south-side routes through glaciated terrain to one of North America's most recognizable peaks. It's a serious alpine objective that rewards preparation, fitness, and focus — for many climbers, the moment mountaineering becomes real, yet still within reach of well-prepared first-timers. Being able to say "I've been on top of that" while driving I-5 or flying out of Sea-Tac is an incredible achievement.
The climb begins with a half day orientation at BaseCamp, followed by a full day of mountaineering school on the mountain, then ascends to Camp Muir, where teams stay in the private hut RMI uses — the only guide service with its own shelter at Camp Muir. Throughout, you climb in small rope teams at a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio — closer instruction, steadier pacing, and more attention on summit day. Before and after, your team is based at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford, home to the BaseCamp Bar & Grill, Whittaker Mountaineering, and Whittaker's Bunkhouse.
November 2, 2025
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-Name
Leadership
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