# Mount Rainier --- Could I climb it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 3, 2003, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667 "2003-08-03T03:05:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Homer\_J.Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a698b9/32.png) [@Homer\_J.Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer_J.Simpson)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/1 "2003-08-03T03:05:47Z")
Some background: I have no climbing experience I am in good shape I am in my mid 20’s I have no climbing equipment (but I am willing to get what would be needed) So could I climb to the summit of Mount Rainier solo? What are my chances of making it? Is it legal to solo climb Mount Rainier with no experience? How long would it take to climb Mount Rainier? ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/2 "2003-08-03T03:22:10Z")
[National Park Service reply](http://www.nps.gov/mora/climb/climb.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Homer\_J.Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a698b9/32.png) [@Homer\_J.Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer_J.Simpson)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/3 "2003-08-03T03:28:28Z")
I can’t get the link to work. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/4 "2003-08-03T04:40:59Z")
From the site referred to by **tomndebb** : > [@](#): > > Party Size: A minimum of two people is required. My personal take (I did some climbing in prehistoric times, but am scarcely an expert): climbing a glaciated mountain like Rainier solo, without experience, is borderline suicidal. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/5 "2003-08-03T04:45:43Z")
Sorry. It works for me even after I posted it. The link proides all the National Park Service rules and regs along with suggested equipment, suggested party size, and links to professional guides who will take you to the top. Try going to the NPS home page: > **[NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service)](https://www.nps.gov/index.htm)** > > The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Select “Visit Your Parks: Experience Your America™” taking you to [http://www.nps.gov/parks.html](http://www.nps.gov/parks.html) From the dropdown, select “Mount Rainier National Park” and click GO, taking you to: > **[Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)](https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm)** Under **QUICK LINKS** , select “» Recreation and Activities” (This will provide a pop-up window: [http://www.nps.gov/mora/rec-act.htm](http://www.nps.gov/mora/rec-act.htm) ) Select “Climbing” taking you to [http://www.nps.gov/mora/climb/climb.htm](http://www.nps.gov/mora/climb/climb.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/6 "2003-08-03T04:47:13Z")
The link works. Try again. Pay particular attention to this part of the web page … “ **Solo travel above high camps or anywhere on glaciers is not permitted except with prior written permission from the Superintendent.** You may download a Solo Climb Request Form or you may request this form by writing: Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, Tahoma Woods Star Route, Ashford, WA 98304.” ---
**Author:** ![Homer\_J.Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a698b9/32.png) [@Homer\_J.Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer_J.Simpson)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/7 "2003-08-03T04:52:58Z")
I still can’t get the link up or anything from NPS, which is probably due to more problems from MSN. What if I climbed with another unexperienced friend, would this still be “borderline suicidal”? ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/8 "2003-08-03T05:49:09Z")
The link works just fine. It may be the problem is on your end. **Homer** you appear to be missing the point. FWIW, if you do find someone else to climb with you, and you do not die in the process, it will be a miracle. OTOH, if something happens to either of you requiring a [high altitude rescue](http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,78989,00.html), the Park Service could stick you will a bill for rescuing you, [although not likely](http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/25393_rescue31.shtml). See [Mount Rainier cost recovery stats](http://www.nps.gov/mora/climb/costrecovery.htm). ---
**Author:** ![Homer\_J.Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a698b9/32.png) [@Homer\_J.Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer_J.Simpson)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/9 "2003-08-03T06:14:00Z")
I thought Mount Rainier was an easy climb, that could be completed with no training with a guide. So hard could the climb be? ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/10 "2003-08-03T13:21:34Z")
13 people have died on Mt. Rainier in the past 10 years. No, it is not something that should be attempted without an experienced guide. I was with a very experience guide (Jim Whittaker) in 1985 when I attempted to climb the mountain, we had to turn back due to freezing rain. And that was in late August when the weather is considered prime climbing weather. The trail is fairly easy to Camp Muir (10,000 foot level) then can become quite difficult. Unless you are with at least an experienced climber, you won’t be allowed to attempt the climb. ---
**Author:** ![schplebordnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@schplebordnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/schplebordnik)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/11 "2003-08-03T14:25:21Z")
Goran Kropp died on Rainier, and he was more of a moutaineering stud than almost anyone: [http://web.outsideonline.com/news/headlines/20021001\_1.html](http://web.outsideonline.com/news/headlines/20021001_1.html) ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/12 "2003-08-03T16:39:05Z")
Well, after climbing the Murderhorn, Mt. Rainier should be duck soup for you! ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/13 "2003-08-03T17:08:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Homer J. Simpson \* > \*\*I thought Mount Rainier was an easy climb, that could be completed with no training with a guide. So hard could the climb be? \*\* I think we are being whoosed. There is ample information indicating a climb up Mout Rainier is no cakewalk and **Homer** just doesn’t want to believe it. Make your solo climb, **Homer**. Can you put me in your will before you go? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/14 "2003-08-03T17:58:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Homer J. Simpson \* > \*\*I thought Mount Rainier was an easy climb, that could be completed with no training with a guide. So hard could the climb be? \*\* “Easy” is a relative term. They probably mean no technical mountain climbing techniques are required, e.g. ropes, pitons, and so on. Physically, the climb would be grueling – 9000 vertical feet over eight miles is not easy, especially when you’re carrying 40-60 pounds of gear, at altitude, on snow and ice. Even in my twenties, I don’t think I’d have tried that climb without spending a few weeks getting in shape on lesser hills. ``` More than that, you need the experience to decide whether or not it's safe to go on if weather conditions deteriorate. Experts will realize when the game isn't worth the candle and will head back if conditions get bad. Amateurs will try to soldier on because "they've come all this way and it doesn't look that bad." ``` Mt. Washington in New Hampshire is also an “easy” mountain that requires no advance training (it’s only about 6400 feet high and you can reach the peak in less than 4 hours), but you can reliably expect one or two people to die on it every year because they made mistakes. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2003, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mount-rainier-could-i-climb-it/192667/15 "2003-08-03T19:17:08Z")
> [@](#): > > I have no climbing experience . . . So could I climb to the summit of Mount Rainier solo? No. A lot of people don’t seem to realize that there’s a difference between hiking and mountain climbing. I’m a hiker, not a climber, but at least I know there’s a difference. Mountain climbing takes preparation, training, and equipment. Hiking takes hiking boots and a bottle of water. I would think the realization that they fish people of of Rainier with clock-work frequency – sometimes dead – would be enough to indicate it’s not a great idea for a novice, and certainly not alone. There’s great hiking throughout northwest Washington, including some spectacular hikes around (and on) Rainier, some of which are long enough and difficult enough to test anyone in any reasonable shape. Why not do that for a while? Then if you’re interested in learning how to climb, you can make start into that as well. On some mountain less forbidding than Rainier.