- …
- Yak
- Quests
- 50 State Highpoints
- Mount Rainier
14,411 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is a 14,411 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the Disappointment Cleaver: 16 mi, 9,100 ft of gain, Class 4.
Mount Rainier at a glance
- Elevation14,411 ft4,392 m
- RouteDisappointment CleaverClass 4
- Distance16 mi9,100 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonMay – Jul
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the Disappointment Cleaver
From Seattle or Tacoma, Washington, drive to Paradise or White River entrance stations in Mount Rainier National Park. The Disappointment Cleaver route from Camp Muir is standard. A Mount Rainier climbing permit is required, with seasonal quotas, and must be applied for months in advance. This is a serious glaciated climb with crevasse hazards, icefall, and unpredictable weather. Rope teams and glacier travel skills are mandatory. Conditions vary significantly day to day. Many parties use guide services. Camp Muir at 10,000 feet is the high camp. Summit success rate is about 50%. Washington's highest and most iconic peak.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (65–75 L)
Crampons
Gaiters
Helmet
Rope
Carabiners
Belay Device
Ice Axe
Harness
Headlamp
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Sun Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Satellite Communicator
GPS Device
Power Bank
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Glacier Glasses
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Trail Shoes
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Avalanches
- Rockfall
- Icefall
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
- Storms
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Serac fall
- Route-finding difficulty
- Altitude sickness
Mount Rainier on Yak
Climbers have shared 26 climbs of Mount Rainier on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Rainier
50 State Highpoints
Lower 48 14ers
Cascade Volcanoes
Lower 48 UltrasPeaks near Mount Rainier
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Rainier?
Mount Rainier is 14,411 feet (4,392 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
Is Mount Rainier the highest point in Washington?
Yes. At 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest point in Washington. It is the 5th highest of the 72 Lower 48 14ers.
How hard is it to climb Mount Rainier?
The Disappointment Cleaver is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 9,100 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Rainier?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Disappointment Cleaver, with at least one night on the mountain.
Do you need a permit to climb Mount Rainier?
Yes. Anyone going above 10,000 feet or onto a glacier pays the annual climbing fee and registers with Mount Rainier National Park, and overnight stays need a wilderness permit. Check current rules with the park before you go.
Is Mount Rainier dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Mount Rainier?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Disappointment Cleaver for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Rainier?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Rainier reaches 14,411 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Mount Rainier?
The usual climbing window is May to July. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for Mount Rainier?
Check the West Slopes South forecast from NWAC at nwac.us before any trip with snow on the route.
Climb Mount Rainier with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list