Mt. Rainier - DC Route

Accomplished my first ascent of a PNW volcano on July 20-21, 2018. I joined an RMI crew totaling 6 rope teams, of which 3 successfully summited via the Disappointment Cleaver route. Lucky enough to have a clear day, though winds were in the 35-40mph range at the summit.

Snow travel up Muir snowfield, with Mt. Adams in the background. Photo credit: David Voigtlander

Camp Muir, sundown. Photo credit: David Voigtlander

Looking down towards Little Tahoma right after sunrise. Photo credit: David Voigtlander

Summit caldera, as seen from Columbia Crest.

Massive ice features shaped by wind and weather. Note how deep blue the sky is - the atmosphere is a lot less dense 14,000+ ft. up!

Emmons Glacier travel via rope team, after successful summit.

Climbing parties camped directly on Ingraham glacier, with Little Tahoma in the background.

Photo credit: David Voigtlander

Sun hoodies and poses are a necessity when descending the most prominent peak in the continental United States. Photo credit: David Voigtlander