Mount Rainier is the most iconic peak in Washington State, and the highest glaciated peak in the Lower 48, providing the ideal setting to practice those snow and ice mountaineering skills. The mountain looms over the entire Puget Sound area and attracts countless climbers from across the globe to accept the challenge of reaching its summit. You’ll need some training as the highest trailhead requires one to gain 9,000 feet of elevation. Around 10,000 people attempt it every year in order to enjoy the incredible reward that includes that jaw-dropping 360 view of Washington and beyond. If you’re experienced in mountaineering, route navigation, weather planning, etc., you can head out on your own with the proper permit, but there are multiple outfitters with expert guides willing to lead everyone from beginners to climbing athletes.

Over twenty named glaciers cover Mount Rainier, the highest point in Washington state at 14,411 feet above sea level and a conspicuous landmark in the western part of the state. Many routes and route variations await climbers of Mount Rainier, the majestic stratovolcano that can be seen from Seattle. It is the most glaciated mountain in the continental United States, and climbers may use these glaciers to ascend to its peak, known as Columbia Crest, on the west side of the rim of the caldera. The standard route to the top, though, is the seven-mile non-technical snow climb called Disappointment Cleaver. Climbers on this route start from the Paradise parking lot and hike to the popular Camp Muir, a shelter at just above 10,000 feet. While the shelter does hold 25 people, slots cannot be reserved here. It is first-come, first-served, and is a popular day hike destination as well as a base for climbers who wish to make the summit, for snagging a spot in the shelter means climbers will not have to use a tent. Beyond Camp Muir are the Cowlitz, Ingraham, and Emmons Glaciers and the final push toward the summit. Ropes may be in place to assist climbers on the steeper sections and wands marking the main route, which could easily be lost on the ice and snow. This route reaches the east side of the rim, so climb around the rim, where geothermal heat keeps the rock free of snow, to the highest point of Washington and the culmination of one of the toughest climbs in the United States.

Most prominent mountain in the contiguous US and the 21st most prominent mountain in the world... Huge, active stratovolcano with 2 craters on top, last eruption 1894... 26 major glaciers, it’s the most heavily glaciated peak in lower 48 states... Mount Rainier is the highest point in Mount Rainier National Park... Thousands attempt to summit each year, but only about half of attempts succeed mostly due to weather or conditioning...

On clear days—"when the mountains are out," as locals say—this steep, ice-gilded volcano dominates Seattle’s horizon. In fact, the peak is 90 miles southeast of the metropolitan area. You can see lush green forests blanketing about 60 percent of Mount Rainier National Park, while the rest is covered in meadows, alpine heather, and the densest patch of glaciers in the contiguous United States. Easygoing hikers like to explore the wildflower meadows near the 1916 Paradise Inn, which transform into prime terrain for sledding, snowshoeing, and igloo-building come winter. Prefer the thrill of downhill? Head to Crystal Mountain, just northeast of Rainier, where the state's first ski gondola still serves its most elevated restaurant. By Amanda Castleman, AFAR Local Expert

Dominating the horizon as the highest peak in the Cascade Range at 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier offers alpine climbers a plethora of route options ranging from steep snow fields and crevasses to expansive walls of ice. The Disappointment Cleaver route is anything but disappointing. The explosion of subalpine wildflowers, breathtaking vistas of the neighboring Tatoosh Range, and intimate glacial crevasse experiences keeps the hearts of climbers pumping as they climb high into thin air. Don't be fooled by the easiest route on Rainier: the 9,000 foot overall elevation gain, rapidly changing weather, and potential for crevasse falls leaves this climb suited for the physically fit, experienced alpine climber. In the early summer months climbers can expect the route to be snow-covered right out of the parking lot. By late summer the trail offers colorful meadows blanketed in pink mountain heather, lupine, western anemone, and scarlet paintbrush. The well-marked route leads climbers through Paradise Park and up the Muir Snowfield to Camp Muir, where most climbers establish their basecamps. For climbers trying to escape the crowds, consider a shorter day to camp at Moon Rocks or push beyond Camp Muir to Ingraham Flats, two great basecamp options. Heading into crevasse country on Cowlitz Glacier just beyond Camp Muir, climbers begin the summit approach between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. roped up and ready for action. Following a scree scramble through Cathedral Gap, climbers return to crevasse hazards on Ingraham Glacier, where late season ladder bridges installed by the Rainier Mountain Guides provide for safe crossings of otherwise impassable crevasses. Reaching the Cleaver, ice and rockfall become a hazard as teams scramble up the ice covered boulder field above Emmons Glacier to the rim of the East Crater. An easy stroll above 14,000 feet brings climbers to the summit at Columbia Crest. Travel Safe As the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Rainier attracts a large number of visitors each year. Please practice low-impact and leave-no-trace traveling to help preserve this paradise of a park for future generations. In addition to the inherent hazards of traveling on a glaciated alpine mountain, inexperienced climbers may pose the greatest threat. Please gain proper training, climb with experienced climbers, and use a guide service if you have any doubts regarding your skills and abilities. As always, be sure to liberally apply sunscreen when you travel into thin air, and watch for storms that roll in quickly on unsuspecting climbers. Climbing Permits A Mount Rainier National Park Climbing Permit is required and should be reserved and purchased well in advance of your trip. However, 30% of all campsite permits are kept aside for same-day purchase. They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis for last-minute planners. Permits can be purchased and picked up at the following ranger stations: Longmire Wilderness Information Center Paradise, Jackson Visitor Center Ohanapecosh Visitor Center White River Wilderness Center Sunrise Visitor Center Carbon River Ranger Station

The Sunrise Rim Trail is an alternate loop option to reach the stunning views at Burroughs Mountain. The trail offers panoramic vistas and is somewhat less traveled than other hikes in the Sunrise area. If you're not interested in the full 5.7-mile loop, there is a 3-mile, kid-friendly stroll to Yakima Park and the Emmons Overlook. We started this trail at the first parking lot on the drive up the mountain however you can also access it via the main trail head. This hike was perfect for a moderate half day exploration of the park. It gives you wonderful views of the east side of the glacier and when hiked in the fall, gives you abundant wildflowers and wild life. I recommend this to any person who can only stay a day in the park. It gives you the most bag for your buck and you really do see all the beauty Rainier has to offer. While on the hike you can also see the mountains surrounding Rainier and St. Helens off in the distance!