The
following tips and suggestions were compiled while preparing for
and experiencing my visit of Mt. Rainier National Park and my RMI
summiting experience of Mt. Rainier. Please note that these are
simply suggestions to consider, as each person's travel experiences
are different. As well, these suggestions/tips are directed at those
entering the Park through the southwest Nisqually entrance. |
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General
Preparation |
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CLIMBING
RESERVATIONS - If you are planning on attempting a
summit of Mt. Rainier and you consider yourself a novice, I
would highly recommend contacting Rainier
Mountaineering, Inc. as your guide to the summit. Be sure
to look at possible dates at least one year out from the present
date and consider the three-day summit climb (one-day climbing
school, two-day summit attempt).
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TRAINING FOR SUMMIT ATTEMPT
- If you are planning on using RMI as a guide service for attempting
a summit of Mt. Rainier, be sure to follow all of their suggestions
and advice - particularly, begin to get yourself in the best
shape of your life. A helpful way to do this is to set specific
goals in your training at least one year in advance. Set at
least four specific goals for competition (i.e. competing in
a cycle race, running road race, etc.) or four specific goals
for conditioning (i.e. specific levels toward conditioning -
increased incremental walking or hiking, increased periods of
aerobic/cardiovascular exercise, etc.). This will help you on
staying focused on your overall goal one year later: to be in
the best shape of your life for your summit climb.
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- TELEPHONE
SERVICE
- Should you be staying at in or near Ashford, WA (i.e. Whittaker's
Bunkhouse), be sure to purchase a calling card prior to your
arrival. There are pay phones available for use outside the
Bunkhouse. [And there is no cell phone signal in this area just
outside the park. A cell phone signal (roaming) was gained when
the summit team reached Camp Muir, but no signal at the summit
of Mt. Rainier]
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- SUPPLIES
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There are two groceries stores in Ashford, WA - Ashford is your
last stop for gasoline, groceries, and ATM before entering the
Nisqually Entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park. Feel free to
purchase your food supplies prior to your flight and check those
items that are non-perishable. Also be mindful that there are
wonderful trail lunches available at the Rainier BaseCamp Deli
in Ashford. Fill out the form to request one of these meals
on the evening prior to when you will be needing it - you can
pick it up in the refrigerator in the RMI Rental Shop on the
following morning.
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- FLIGHT/TRAVEL
ARRANGEMENTS
- When booking your flight, take the time to add possibly one
day on the front end of your visit/climb and for sure, at least
one day on the end of your visit/climb. It is wonderful to complete
a climb (to the summit or not) and then savor it the next day,
while watching the next RMI groups prepare for climbing school
or the first day of their climb. Stick around to swap a few
stories of your experience. If you're lucky (like I was), you
may even run into climbing legends Lou Whittaker and Nawang
Gombu at the Rainier BaseCamp.
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Hiking
through Mt. Rainier National Park (Paradise Area) |
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- HIKING
TRAILS - Stop by the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise
before striking out on a hiking trail. The local park rangers
will have a better idea of the trails and which ones are more
conducive to your level of activity.
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- BREAKFAST
- Be
sure to arrive early to Paradise (before 8 am) so as to take
advantage of a wonderful and leisurely breakfast at the Paradise
Inn. Ask to sit by the window in case "the Mountain is
out" (Mt. Rainier is visible).
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- CAMERA - Be
sure to bring a camera - especially during the summer, the wild
flowers explode with color and the local wildlife is very present
(i.e. fox, marmot, etc.). And if you are lucky,
the Mountain may show its face for you.
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- PANORAMA
POINT - Take time to leisurely hike the Skyline Trail,
taking time to stop at Panorama Point to take
in the incredible view of the Paradise Valley below. Breathe
the fresh air and just enjoy the moment before hiking back down
into the valley.
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Climbing
School |
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- INSTRUCTION
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Be sure to follow ALL the instructions of the RMI guides and
take in all their advice. They've been to the summit (in many
instances, on several occasions). Summiting is VERY serious
and the instructions are to ensure your well-being and life.
Do not dismiss any suggestions or instruction that they give
you - it is for your own well-being.
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- QUESTIONS
- If there is anything you do not understand, be sure to ask
questions. No question is silly or insignificant.
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- CLOTHING - Climbing
school is a good way to try out the clothing you will be bringing
on the climb. Ask about clothing needs and if you don't have
the appropriate clothing, be sure to utilize the rental services
of RMI at the BaseCamp.
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RELATIONSHIPS
- Whether or not that you're a "people person," be
sure to get to know as many of the men and women in your climbing
school group during the day and into the next day. You will
not be attempting to summit alone - some of these individuals
will be tethered to you and you will be counting on them in
your ascent.
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DINING - Take time to eat a good meal on the
evening of your day of climbing school. A couple of cheeseburgers
and Sierra Nevada beers at the RMI BaseCamp Deli (in Ashford)
is a great way to fulfill this suggestion. Then top it off with
an attendance of the nightly RMI slideshow shown in the RMI
Guide Lounge - very educational and entertaining, mixed with
wonderful pictures. If you are looking for higher end dining,
might I suggest either Alexandra's or the Copper Creek Inn (between
Ashford and the Nisqually Entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park)?
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- SLEEP
- Be sure to get to bed early on this day - the extra sleep is
always helpful, as you may not sleep at all when you arrive to
Camp Muir on the following day.
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PERSONAL FOCUS - Promise yourself that you
will ONLY concentrate on today. Focus on your climbing techniques
and forget about the upcoming climb. Should inclement weather
arrive, you may not get very far up the mountain (much less
summiting it), so just enjoy the moment. Enjoy and concentrate
on what is happening to you right now and then go back - after
your experience - and regale the entire adventure.
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Day
One of Summit Climb |
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INSTRUCTION
- Again, it can't be reiterated enough: be sure
to follow ALL the instructions of the RMI guides and take in
all their advice. They've been to the summit (in many instances,
on several occasions). Summiting is VERY serious and the instructions
are to ensure your well-being and life. Do not dismiss any suggestions
or instruction that they give you - it is for your own well-being.
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CLOTHING
- Synthetic base layer. It cannot be stressed enough
to stay away from cotton t-shirts and base layer clothing. The
synthetics are great at wicking away perspiration. Should you
have a question, email Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. [info@rmiguides.com]
as to appropriate clothing choices PRIOR to your arrival. Otherwise,
make a quick stop at the Summit Haus (in Ashford, WA), next
to the Whittaker's Bunkhouse, for last-minute equipment and
clothing selections.
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FOOD/NOURISHMENT
- The rule of thumb that worked best for me, and many others,
is, "Eat what you don't eat at home." If you like
candy bars and potato chips, bring them to eat. If you've never
had a Power Bar prior to this trip, don't start digetsing them
now. The important aspect is that you are taking in carbohydrates,
regardless from what what food source they come. Once you reach
higher altitudes (above 8000 ft. elevation), your appetite decreases,
so bring only those food items of which you love to gorge yourself.
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- WATER/SPORTS
DRINK - Don't worry about having enough water along
the summit trip. There is ample water to and at Camp Muir (at
10,000 ft. elevation). When climbing above that elevation, be
sure to bring at least two 2-liter bottles
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- SLEEPING
- My suggestion, when you enter the RMI Bunkhouse at Camp Muir,
is to select a sleeping area on the lower levels. Heat rises
and the top level for sleeping got to be too warm for some individuals.
Due to others' (or your) snoring, you may want to bring an IPOD
to lull you to sleep - you will be going to bed around 6 pm
and it may very well still be light out.
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Day
Two of Summit Climb |
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- ATTENTION
- The time has finally come for the most demanding
part of your climb. Again, be sure to listen to any and all
instructions by the RMI guides. They will remain your "common
sense" and the barometer of your well-being.
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- AWARENESS:
Be attentive to all that is going on around you at
ALL times. It is very easy in your ascent to be lulled into
thinking about family, work, life in general, or the view around
you. There will be rests (about 3-4 along the way above Camp
Muir) where you can pull out your camera and photograph the
vistas. Otherwise, be attentive throughout your climb.
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- PRESSURE
BREATHING - Be sure to practice your pressure breathing.
Between Camp Muir and High Break (13,600 ft. elevation) you
may need to pressure breathe once for every five breaths. Above
High Break, you may need to pressure breathe every
other breath. It will you maintain a clear head, so practice
the technique and remind yourself eveyr few steps to pressure
breathe.
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PARKA
- At every rest along the climb, be sure to pull out
your parka and put it on and zip it up - even if you don't think
you need it. Even if you're sweating, put it on. The down from
the jacket will allow you to conserve as much energy as possible.
The goal is to conserve as much energy as possible - it would
be a shame to tank out at 13,600 ft. because you just don't
have enough energy to finish the climb.
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CAMERA
- Be sure to bring a camera - any camera. You will
kick yourself for years if you summit Rainier and don't photograph
your accomplishment. Be sure to put the camera in the inside
pouch of your parka. At all rests along the climb, you will
have to take out your parka and put it on, so the camera will
be readily available for your photographing.
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- TALK/LISTEN
- Talk to yourself. Literally talk to yourself - whatever
it takes to keep you clear-headed and focused. Self-talk can
be crucial in getting you past those areas (i.e. rock scree
on the other side of the Cowlitz Glacier, Disappointment Cleaver,
the final 500 feet of elevation) that are the most demanding
or scary. A good portion of your climb - from Camp Muir to High
Break - will be in darkness, so some areas can seem quite daunting
and overwhelming to even experienced climbers. So be sure to
talk to yourself: "It's okay. One step at a time. You can
make it. Take it easy. Pressure breathe..."
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- FOOD/DRINK
- Be sure to drink plenty and eat plenty on your climb
and descent as you will be burning a large quantity of calories.
Mixed with the cold temperatures, you can run out of energy
pretty quick. So bring snacks and food that you enjoy eating
normally, because at higher altitudes, you will lose your appetite
and may have to force yourself to eat.
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- GLOVES
- I was thankful for bringing a thinsulate pair of
gloves and a heavier climbing glove. During rests, it was nice
to have the thinsulate pair on so as to be able to grab a water
bottle and snacks wtihout having one's hands totally exposed.
The layered effect was helpful for the hands, but not too bulky
so as to not be able to grasp the ice axe.
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HONESTY
- Be honest with yourself. We were instructed, "The
way you feel coming into a rest will be the way you feel leaving
the rest." If you're exhausted coming into one of the 3-4
rest spots, you will be leaving exhausted. You are the best
judge of your condition, so don't endanger others on your team
if you're not able to complete your climb. And remember that
you will need energy as well for your descent, so plan accordingly.
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- THANKFUL
- Should the Mountain be gracious to you and
you make it to the crater on top, enjoy your moment.
It is a moment you will savor for years to come. You will not
be on top for very long, so be sure to make the trek up to Columbia
Crest. To climb all that way and not go the final elevation?
You owe it to yourself.
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Post-Climb
Ideas/Celebration |
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- DINING
- Regardless of whether you climb or
not (or summit or not), be sure to stop by the Rainier BaseCamp
Deli (next to Whittaker's Bunkhouse) for an awesome cheeseburger
or pizza [order The Cleaver] and an ice cold draft
beer. Might I suggest either a Rainier, Sierra Nevada or Moose
Drool to quench your thirst?
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- RMI
SLIDE SHOWS - Again, regardless of whether you climb
or not, be sure to stop by the RMI Guide's Lounge for their
nightly 7:00 pm slide show. Prior to the climb, they have a
Mt. Rainier slide show that will give you a detailed idea of
what's in store for you. Or better yet, check out their International
Summiting slide show - a great preview of what's ahead of you,
after Mt. Rainier.
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COMMEMORATIVE WEAR - Be sure to purchase a
t-shirt from either the National Park (Paradise Gift Shop has
the best selection) or the Summit Haus (if you are looking for
an RMI or summiting memorabilia). The Summit Haus has a wide
selection in their store, but very little of it is available
on-line. Don't wait until you get home to say, "I should
get a little something to remember the trip."
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- NOTE
OF THANKS - If you have a memorable climbing experience,
be sure to send a note of thanks (including your guides' names)
to RMI and also share your experience with friends and family.
If your climbing experience left something to be desired, be
sure to notify RMI as well.
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