Mt. Rainier
Advanced. June 26-30, 2023
Enrollment Still Open
Mt. Rainier is one of the most coveted and sought after climbs in North America.
This dormant volcano offers a physical and emotional challenge on the highest peak in Washington state, topping 14,411 feet in elevation.
Expedition Dates
June 26 - June 30, 2023
Level
Advanced
FunDrasining Minimum
$3,500
The Climb
Climb for Hope’s Disappointment Cleaver Climb is the classic adventure for anyone interested in or involved in mountaineering.
Focusing on team building and training, the first two days prepare us for our climb with a Mountaineering Day School. We first ascend Mt. Rainier's lower slopes to Camp Muir (10,060'), where we stay for the evening and prepare for the climb ahead. On summit day, an alpine start brings us up the Ingraham Glacier or Disappointment Cleaver route to the mountain's summit. With a short time commitment, this climb is ideal for anyone looking to attempt one of America's great mountaineering challenges.
REQUIREMENTS
Hotel, guide fees, group equipment (tents, cooking gear, fuel) as well as breakfasts and dinners on the mountain are provided by Climb For Hope. Climbers are only responsible for airfare to Portland, lunches on the mountain, energy bars, and meals in town, including the celebratory post-climb dinner.
You will need the ability to carry a 50+ pound pack and hike for 6-12 hours continuously.
TRAINING
Mt. Rainier is technical and requires experience and both mental and physical preparation for what’s to come. Having your body and mind in check is the most important thing to carry with you on the mountain. Climb for Hope provides a 9-week training plan as well as a supporting team-building community on social media.
Gear
Many of the items on our recommended gear list can be borrowed or rented. Climb For Hope has extra sleeping bags and other gear, so please contact us before purchasing items you may not use again. Before we set out for the mountain, we can rent mountaineering boots and purchase any gear you may still need.
FUNDRAISING
Each climber is expected to raise $3,500 towards Climb For Hope’s mission of funding breast cancer and MS research and providing life-changing experiences for those affected by cancer.
When you sign up, we will provide a personal fundraising page and links for you to solicit or make donations. We are more than happy to help you with fundraising ideas, email templates, and marketing support, especially if you don’t have a lot of fundraising experience.
THE GUIDES
Our longtime partners, the experienced and professional guides at Rare Earth Adventures, handle all the nitty-gritty details of our adventure, so that we can focus on the landscape and our own personal experiences. Not only are they also highly trained to keep us safe and respond to emergencies, but they’re pretty good mountain cooks too!
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Monday, June 26, 2023
Travel day. Arrive in Portland, OR, and drive to Whittaker’s Bunkhouse.
DAY 2 - Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Hike from Paradise to Camp Muir. Snow school.
DAY 3 - Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Alpine start from Muir, departing at 11pm.
DAY 4 - Thursday, June 29, 2023
Summit day. Return to Muir. Overnight at Muir.
Day 5 - Friday, June 30, 2023
Descend from Muir to Paradise. Drive back to Portland, OR.
Day 6 - Saturday, July 1, 2023
Travel Day. Fly or drive home.
note: our itinerary on the mountain is subject to weather and snow conditions.