Paradise Valley
The early stages of the trek to Mount Rainier basecamp provide incredible views of the mountain. Paradise valley contains a network of trails (some paved!) providing viewpoint access for all types of hikers/vacationers.

Pebble Creek
Pebble Creek marks the end of the so-called 'tourist' route and begins the slog to Camp Muir. The Forest Service provides a map of Muir Snowfield indicating the appropriate compass bearings. White-out conditions can make this section treacherous.

Camp Muir
Camp Muir itself is often a bustling community of brightly colored tents. Because of the high level of exposure here, it is recomended that tents be dug deep into the snow. Icefalls and avalanches can be heard throughout the summer climbing season.

Above Camp Muir
On a clear day the views from Mt.
Rainier are extraordinary. Mt. Adams,
seen here, is just one of the many
Cascade volcanic peaks that can be
seen from Rainier. Mt. St. Helens and
Mount Baker are two others.

Muir Snowfield
Although the trek to basecamp is relatively straight-forward, it can be quite treacherous under less-than-ideal conditions. For this reason, the Forest Service provides detailed maps containing compass bearings and elevations.

Camp Muir
The busiest point on the Muir snowfield, Camp Muir (basecamp) provides such amenities as toilets and emergency shelters. Shown here is the shelter used by Rainier Mountaineering (RMI) the only authorized guides on Mt. Rainier.

Camp Muir
Amidst the hustle of life at basecamp, there is also time to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery or pose for a photo or two.

Summit Crater
Up, Up, and over the final ridge
finally brings you to..... the
summit crater! The true summit
is still off in the distance, a
discouraging site for many.
Here, two climbers cross the still
active crater.

Summit
At last, you are rewarded with the true summit. Views are incredible but, even on a crystal clear day, so are the winds. A brief stay on the summit is more than adequate for most.

Camp Muir
Base Camp isn't all rest and photographs. Because of slushy snow conditions during midday, most summit ascents take place in early morning. Packing however, is much simpler when done in the light of day.

Sunrise
Most parties rise around midnight and try to leave Camp Muir about 1 o'clock am.. This makes for beautiful scenery- dozens of headlamps bobbing in the distance, the sun rising on the eastern horizon, and the early morning, crisp air views.

Summit Caves
Mt. Rainier is an active volcano and rumour has it the summit crater is riddled with caves melted into the snow by steam. Here, a weary climber seeks refuge from the tremendous winds in a small melt-crack.

Location map of Mount Rainier

Be sure to read other articles by Action Shop in the BC Adventure Network

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