Women+ Mount Rainier Climb

Join us for a four-day guided climb of Mount Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington and one of the most iconic peaks in North America. This expedition combines skill-building, physical challenge, and the unforgettable experience of standing on a 14,411’ summit.

We begin with a gear check and mountaineering skills training to prepare you for glacier travel, rope team movement, and self-arrest techniques. Over the next three days, we make our way to Camp Muir (10,080’), practice additional skills at altitude, and launch our summit attempt under the stars.

This is a demanding climb with over 9,000’ of elevation gain, but no prior glacier experience is required — we’ll teach you everything you need to know. Our focus is on moving as a team, building your confidence in the alpine environment, and giving you a safe and rewarding experience on one of the great mountains of the world.

You’ll leave this trip with new technical skills, a strong sense of accomplishment, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Day 1 – Gear Check & Orientation, Mountaineering Skills.

9 a.m. – Ashford, WA
We will meet as a team in Ashford, WA for introductions, a detailed gear check, and an orientation session to prepare for our climb. This is a chance to review the itinerary, talk through the route, and ensure everyone’s equipment is dialed in for a safe and successful trip.

We’ll cover:

• Personal equipment check and packing tips

• Safety practices and guide expectations

• Environmental stewardship (Leave No Trace principles)

• Trip logistics and what to expect on the mountain

Lodging: Make your own arrangements for lodging near Ashford tonight.

After a morning meetup, we shuttle to Paradise for a full day of hands-on skills training on the lower slopes of Mount Rainier.

You will learn and practice:

• Efficient mountain travel techniques (rest-step, pressure breathing)

• Ice axe use and self-arrest

• Crampon technique for ascending and descending

• Rope team travel and communication

• Intro to crevasse rescue systems

This training ensures that all climbers have the necessary skills and confidence to move safely and efficiently as a rope team.

Lodging: Make your own arrangements for lodging near Ashford tonight. (Camping is available)

Day 2 – Approach & Climb to Camp Muir

After breakfast, we meet again in Ashford, load up the van, and head to Paradise (5,400’). The hike to Camp Muir (10,080’) is about 4.5 miles and will take most of the day as we gain nearly 4,600’ of elevation.

At Camp Muir, we settle into camp (hut or tents) and review plans for the climb, including:

• Route overview & current mountain conditions

• Summit day strategy

• Gear organization & final packing tips

After dinner, we rest up and get ready for our first night on the mountain.

Day 3 – Summit Bid

Our summit push begins before dawn. Wearing headlamps, we rope up and traverse the Cowlitz Glacier, climb through Cathedral Gap, and ascend via the Ingraham Glacier and Disappointment Cleaver route (or an alternative route depending on conditions).

After several hours of steady climbing, we reach the summit crater of Mount Rainier (14,411’). If weather and time allow, we cross the crater to Columbia Crest, the true summit — the highest point in Washington State.

Following a celebration and photos, we descend back to Camp Muir, pack up, and continue down to Paradise. From there, we return to Ashford to unload gear and wrap up our incredible five-day journey together.

Day 4: Descent and Debrief

We will wake up, eat breakfast, then begin our journey back to Paradise. Once in town, we will debrief in town.

Note: If conditions are unideal on Day 3, we may opt to push back our summit bid to Day 4. This would involve combining our summit push and descent to the cars, which is a long day, but very doable.

Pro Tip: We do not recommend scheduling flights earlier than midnight on the final day to allow for weather, conditions, and travel time.

We warmly welcome women, trans, and femme identifying individuals.

Prior backpacking and mountaineering experience is highly recommended. This trip tends to be most appropriate for individuals who have already proven to have the fitness to ascend mountains such as Mount Baker (Komo Kulshan).

To participate, you should be capable of hiking 5,000 vertical feet with a 35 lb pack.

This is an empowering environment where your safety is our priority.

If you have any concerns about your readiness, please reach out through our contact page. We offer personal coaching and mentorship to help set you up for success.

Included:

• Ropes

• Pickets

• Tents

• Breakfast and Dinner

• Climbing / Camping Permits

• Cookware

• Expert guidance

Not Included:

• Snacks/lunch

• Personal gear - Within one week of signing up, you will receive a trip booklet including a packing list. Gear is available on the Rental Page

Within one week of signing up, you will receive an email with information about training, packing, and much more.

You will receive an email from your guide the week before your trip with an exact meeting location and route information.