This is an informational post about things related to a climbing trip and summit attempt of Mt. Rainier.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive resource or to convince anyone that they are ready for this kind of wilderness experience without adequate experience in the field.  Don't be an ass and get yourself killed because you read stuff on the internet and got all cocky. People who were vastly more experienced than I have perished on this mountain. Get a guide or take some classes or start small with backpacking day hikes.  This can be life and death.

Summit routs are strenuous and technical, requiring familiarity with fairly advanced mountaineering techniques and equipment.  An attempt at the summit requires glacial traversing and a high degree of safety and redundancy planning as well as good physical conditioning.

"Reaching the summit requires a vertical elevation gain of more than 9,000 feet over a distance of eight or more miles. Climbers must be in good physical condition and well prepared. Proper physical conditioning can offset the effects of fatigue that lead to mistakes and injuries.

"Weather, snow, and route conditions can change rapidly, making the difference between a pleasant and rewarding experience or tragedy. Before beginning a climb, obtain a current weather forecast. During your climb, turn back if weather conditions deteriorate. Severe winter-like storms on the mountain are not uncommon during the summer."
source cited: http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/climbing.htm

"Experience: Conditioning climbs on similar glaciated peaks, and participation in mountaineering schools are essential for building experience and good judgment. Avalanche awareness and training in rescue and first aid are vital. Do not depend on someone else to help you. Be prepared!"
source citedhttp://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/things-to-know-before-you-climb.htm

I plan on updating this post off and on as I discover additional resources, check back every month or so from now till summer if you're interested, or do some research of your own.

We Begin

-The park website:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

-Current Hours of Operations, Contact Information and Road Status
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/hours.htm

-Wilderness Guidelines and Regulations:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-guidelines-and-regulations.htm

-Rudimentary info on park camping and hiking:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping-and-hiking.htm

-Pending Wilderness Alerts through the Park:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-alerts.htm

-MAPS!!
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/mount-rainier-maps.htm
Topographic Quadrangle Viewer
http://www.topoquest.com/map.php?lat=46.81250&lon=-121.81250&datum=nad27&zoom=32

-Regulations
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/climbing.htm#CP_JUMP_149844

-Climbing Fees
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/climbing.htm#CP_JUMP_149861

-Cacheing Food and suplies in the Park:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/caching-food-and-fuel.htm

Planning and Understanding the Rout

-Wilderness Trip Planner PDF
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/Wilderness-Trip-Planner-2012_web.pdf

-Muir High Base Camp

"Only experienced hikers and climbers should attempt this unmarked rout."
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/camp-muir-route-with-get-your-bearings-map-oct11.pdf

" About 8,000 to 13,000 people attempt the climb each year,^[58] about 90% via routes from Camp Muir on the southeast flank.^[59] Most of the rest ascend Emmons Glacier via Camp Schurman on the northeast."
source citedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier

-Backcountry Camps and Wilderness Zones
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/2004-BC-Camps-and-Zones.pdf

-The Park Map
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/mount%20rainier%20park%20map.pdf

-The Vicinity Map:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/Driving-Directions-6_13.pdf

!!Safety Musts!!

Again, this safety section cannot ever, never, ever make up for lack of field readiness experience. If this will be your first time summiting anything, pay a guide to help you for goodness sake.

Equipment

Mount Rainier Weather

-Avalanche References:

Northwest Avalanche Center avalanche forecast
Avalanche Information
Things you need to know before you climb

-Lightning Safety Guide:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/NOLS-Backcountry-Lightning-Safety-Guidelines.pdf

-Trails and Backcountry Camping Conditions
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm

-Search and Rescue Reports
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/search-and-rescue-reports.htm

-Some Relevant Statistics, Yo:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/climbing-stats-thru-2011.pdf


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An Approach to General Pricing for Equipment:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/?afsrc=1&gclid=COKl5P_VursCFY1FMgodzjUAEQ&codes-processed=true
http://www.rei.com/
http://www.benchmarkoutfitter.com/
http://blackdiamondequipment.com/

Topographic Quad: $12.95
Park Entry Fee, $15.00 per vehicle or $5 per person.
Climbing Pass: $44 a person
Any Reservations Desired: $20, which does not guarantee a spot at the public Muir Shelter
More Camping Fees May Be Required: http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/camping.htm

Individual Equipment:
Map & Compass/Topographic Quad: $12.95
Knife: $5-15
Matches/Lighter: $1-3
Sunglasses and/or ski goggles (dark lenses): $39-99
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: $3
First Aid Kit: $
Food (extra food for emergencies): $50
Headlamp: $19-70
Extra Batteries: $6-12
Altimeter: $80-600
http://www.rei.com/product/848916/casio-sgw400h-1bv-twin-sensor-watch
Signaling Device (whistle and/or mirror): $8
Gloves and Mittens, Winter Hat, Sun Hat: $
Down or Synthetic Parka: $130-260
Wool or Synthetic Clothing, layered: $
Waterproof/Breathable Parka: $
Waterproof/Breathable Pants or Bibs: $
Sleeping Bag - comfortable to 10F: $62-480
Ensolite Pad(sleeping pad, air matress): $
Ice Axe(piolets): $80-149
Carabiners (minimum 4): $5-24 ea.
Prussik Slings (3) $12 ea. or Ascenders: $30-80
Chest and Seat Harness: $
Helmet: $41-115
Boots: $150-400
Gaitors: $25-80
Crampons: $130.00
Picket (1) or other appropriate protection
device: $

Team Equipment:
Rope, 40 m, 9 or 11mm diameter: $
Pickets or Ice Screws (as appropriate for route
and conditions): $
Pulleys: $
Stove and Fuel: $
Extra Fuel for emergencies
Tent or Tarp Shelter: $
Wands: $