Any experienced climbers?

[sisu]

I'll add to Ray's comments.
If I had the time and this was me planning on this big event of Rainer I'd go do Baker first from the Glacier, WA side. Baker, in my opinion, is a more scenic climb. I've done  St. Helens(when is was complete not blow to hell and gone), Baker, Rainer, attempted Hood but got weathered off. Only one I never tried was Adams and I actually do with I would of done that.

If you are a skilled skier and don't have too, hefty of a pack, ski from Camp Muir to the ranger station; instead of hours to get from Muir to there it'll be about 45 minutes!!!!

Spring skiing from Muir to the station is a good conditioner. When I was living on the west side and gas was not a fortune I'd drive there about once or twice a month just to do the ski down.

Good luck and BE safe. Remember you can't control the mountain but you can control your decisions once on the mountain.

[klikboom]

I did Baker last year, and I'm planning on doing Ranier this June. We'll be skinning up to Muir / Skiing down. If you're interested in climbing i'd suggest taking the Mountaineers climbing class. I took the BoeAlps class last year, and I'm prepared to do the Ranier climb with my friends, no guide needed. As mentioned you just need the decision making, snow travel, and crevasse rescue skills to do it.

Correct: spooning is not optional.

[WDFW-SUX]

I hear Lou is gentle...

[denali]

Me my son and family friend - good advice given, the only thing I would add is even though you are in good shape, how each persons body deals with altitude can very widely    HAVE FUN !   

[MuleySniper]

I appreciate all the input and ideas. Thanks guys.
MS

[Special T]

cool pic denali it looks like you had a great summit day. u do it on your own or with RMI? You've joined a special club...and seen an awesome view.

[denali]

Yes special T that was with RMI 1st time, a good experience 2nd accent on rainier, adams, hood, st helens on our own, have done some rock climbing as well - spring mt, Frenchman Coulee, smith rock, Leavenworth.

wish i had time to do more

[SeaRun1]

Muley,

I have some crampons and and ice axe you are welcome to use.  I know you live out on FI and I work in the harbor.  I'm 6' so the ice axe might work for you.  Good luck on the climb.  Always wanted to do it but never got around to it.  Let me know...

SeaRun1

[MuleySniper]

Perfect thanks! If things work out, I might take you up on the offer!
MS

[MuleySniper]

Well no summit stuff but managed a great day hike up to Muir on Sunday. It was a great hike, nice weather until about the last 1000' when the wind, snow and fog came roarin in! Waiting for pics from my buddy to post up later.
MS

[sisu]

Next time bring skis to go back, but remember the Muir snowfield lies to the west (by this I mean the gravitational slant that pulls you back down the hill) so when you ski down you need to force yourself east so you don't get in a jam. Many a climber has gotten in trouble or the Big Chop in white outs descending Muir and not remembering this little tidbit.