Emmons Glacier

Ratio:2:1
Length:5 days
Price:$2,750 per climber
Dates:July 10-14th, 2023
Location:Mount Rainier National Park

TMG has been awarded a permit to guide Mount Rainier’s Emmons Glacier continually since 2008, under the Commercial Use Authorization.

Our trip will begin outside the park, at Crystal Mountain, where we’ll meet early on the first day of our trip for a gear check and pre-climb briefing. Then we will head in to the White River trailhead, for a midday hike to our first camp at Glacier Basin at about 6,000 feet. This is a great day to get some mileage beneath us and begin to adjust to elevation. On the second day, we’ll make a big effort that will bring us all the way to Camp Schurman or Emmons Flats around 9,400 feet. We have allocated day three as our first chance to summit, but we also have day four as well, which can be used as an alternate summit day, in the event of bad weather on the third day. We will plan to hike out on the morning of day five at the latest.

Rainier is one of the jewels of the Cascades Mountains. Our program provides ample time to practice skills, and also take time to appreciate the beauty of the park both above and below treeline. This is an excellent peak for developing glacier climbing experience, and living for multiple nights on a big mountain at high altitude. If you are interested in the Mount Rainier Emmons Glacier climb, please speak with your guide or give the office a call. It usually requires at least one experience with our guides to get into a Mount Rainier climb due to the high demand and limited space.

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Interested in a trip? Call us today to get started on your trip reservation. We will take the time to place you on the expedition that is a fit for you.

(541) 312-9242

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Emmons Glacier

Mount Rainier National Park

The Emmons Glacier on Mount Rainier is a physically demanding climb. From the trailhead to summit, the team gains over 10,000 feet of elevation. With at least three days in a row of technical glacier travel, and a 5,000 foot summit day. Our trip includes skill development, a great acclimatization schedule, and a weather day. This all comes together into a historically successful program.

Day one features a beautiful hike through the forests and wildflowers of the national park. We camp in Glacier Basin, where we’re likely to spot wildlife. We usually hike up to the Interglacier for an afternoon training session on this afternoon – which doubles as an acclimatization hike. This should be a restful night.

Day 2 – A big hike up to Camp Schurman. We are on and off the rope this day as we transition between exposed hiking and glacier travel. There is a lot of elevation gain today, but it’s rewarded with a memorable arrival to Camp Schurman – one of the most spectacular locations on the mountain.

Day 3 – With good weather, today is our first opportunity to make our summit bid. Some teams will opt for a rest day. Most will spend some of the day practicing skills on the glacier.

Day 4 – Summit day! Well rested and well trained, it’s time to go for the top. We’ll start in the middle of the night to make the most of the coldest temperatures on the glacier. With good conditions and a strong team we’ll stand on the summit a few hours after sunrise. Then we’ll make our way back to camp for a well-earned dinner and a good night of sleep.

Day 5 – Sleep in a little and then break camp and descend all the way out!

Elevation:14,411 feet
Style:Glacier travel
Skill Level:Difficult
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george

"I am very happy with my TMG experience. The guides were professional, personable, and extremely concerned about safety. . . I absolutely give highest marks to these guys. If you don't have much Alpine experience, or just want the security of seasoned veterans guiding you up this mountain, then I strongly recommend you sign up with them. Thanks, guys, for a great experience!!"

George C
Highland, UT
malcom

"What a fantastic experience gaining the summit of a mountain we've gazed on from Portland for 25 years! . . . We learned a great deal, had a ton of fun, felt in very capable hands, and had the reward of summiting on a beautiful clear day. The value of being with a professional, certified, guide and guiding organization was evident throughout. Kudos to the TMG team who were responsive, supportive, and fun to work with every step of the way."

Malcolm C
Portland, OR
Lucyan

"We booked 2-day overnight program on Mt. Hood with Timberline Mountain Guides. Our guides were great, . . super friendly and reputable. The program did not go as planned due to inclement weather but we still had fun and good experience. The guides were definitely flexible and provided guidance during the trip. I would recommend going with them if it's your first climbing trip on Mt. Hood for sure."

Lucyan
Portland, OR

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Prerequisites

Due to the limited nature of our permit, this trip is open only to climbers that have joined us on prior climbs. Generally, this program is booked in the Fall of the prior year.

Consider the following climbs to build towards the Emmons Glacier on Mount Rainier:

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