Rainer is in Full Swing!
This past week has been a gorgeous one here in the PNW with ample sunny skies across the region. Our guides have been calling in great conditions from all around the state, with lots of people climbing and skiing off the tops of the peak in the Cascades. As a reminder, if you’re looking for the best weather forecast for Mount Rainier National Park we recommend the UW Rainier Recreational Forecast which is updated twice daily typically around 4am and 4pm.
Tahoma (Mount Rainier)
With the above average seasonal temperatures the lower part of Mount Rainier (below Camp Muir) is melting out quickly. We are still using double boots at this time because of the soft snow (no snowshoes needed). As of yesterday climbers can expect the trail to Pebble Creek to be 90% snow covered and we are now using the official summer trail which is wanded and marked. The Muir snowfield is in excellent condition with a well established boot pack up to Camp Muir. Above Muir the route is in great shape and so far this season we have had 4 out of 5 teams reach the summit. The route is direct going up the Ingraham glacier with the increased warming we do anticipate adjuncts being put into place (planks/ladders) across a few crevasses. Access to the White River side (Emmons Glacier) remains seasonally closed. The National Park Service currently estimates an opening around Memorial Day weekend. For updates, please refer to National Park Service road status page.
North Cascades
In the North Cascades, not much has changed since our last report and the snowline is still between 4,500-5,000 in NCNP. On Baker the snowline is a bit lower. Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway) remains closed due to damage and at this time the Department of Transportation does not have an estimate opening.
We look forward to joining you on a rope team or seeing you on the mountain!
Happy Climbing!
