MOUNT RAINIER
5
GET OUT
The first documented summit of Mount Rainier (nps.gov/mora), the tallest volcano in the Lower 48, was in 1870 by Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Trump. Since that premiere climb, the volcanoes of Washington have served as training ground for some of the most accomplished mountaineers in the world. Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Everest, cut his teeth on Rainier, climbing it in 1945 with his twin brother, Lou, at the age of 16. In 1969, Lou and friend Jerry Lynch founded Rainier Mountaineering Inc (rmiguides.com), one of the most prestigious guide services in the country, which offers guided expeditions and training programs for adventurers. If you already have the experience to attempt a summit on your own, Emmons Route
and Disappointment Cleaver are two good routes on Rainier. Just south of the state’s iconic peak, Mount St. Helens (fs.usda.gov/mount sthelens)—the most active volcano in the range—has a variety of alpine climbing routes and good options for mountaineers who are just starting out. First-timers often tackle the Monitor Ridge Route, which gains a lot of vertical, but isn’t too technical. It’s this accessibility and diversity of
Historic Lodging surrounded by Timeless Majesty
AD Photograph by Donavon Preiser
Experience all that Mount Rainier National Park and its 14,410 feet can offer. Stay in the historic National Park Inn or Paradise Inn, where breathtaking views of glaciers, spectacular waterfalls and wildlife are steps from your room.
routes in the area that has allowed the local alpine culture to flourish. Though any climb here can be treacherous, there aren’t many other places in the world where high mountain peaks are quite so approachable. These days, even elite climbers like Everest guides Melissa Arnot (the first American woman to summit the peak five times) and Seattleborn Garrett Madison spend their late summers guiding on Rainier. —HEATHER HANSMAN
Your Trip through Washington State Begins HERE
Everything you need for planning a quick weekend escape, a winding road trip, or an Evergreen adventure.
Reserve your room online now. (360) 569-2275 •
www.mtrainierguestservices.com
Rainier Guest Services, LLC., A National Park Service Concessioner
88
WASHINGTON STATE VISITORS’ GUIDE 2014
WWW.EXPERIENCEWA.COM
Insider Stories • Accommodations Trip Ideas • Maps Itineraries • Calendars
PHOTOGRAPH BY MATT RAGEN/SHUTTERSTOCK
TH E VO L CA N O E S
Flag Planters