hikerchick

Given this possibility, is it then a better idea to stay 4 nights at Camp Muir and wait for good weather there instead of Ingraham Flats? The reason I was leaning towards IF is because I am a SLOW hiker and being closer to the summit will help my summit bid but am willing to start before midnight from Camp Muir instead if I am more likely able to wait out bad weather at CM than at IF. hikerchick

yeah, I realize it is July 4th weekend, unfortunately I have to schedule it then, not my best option, I know. When you say "alpine zone", does that indicate any on glacier camping above 10,000 feet that doesn't fall within those designated camping zones? If I want to maximize my chance of getting good weather days, which of the following would be the best option? 4 nights at Camp Muir, attempting summit on the best day 4 nights at Ingraham Flats, attempting summit on the best day 1 night Camp Muir, 3 nights at Ingraham Flats, ditto on summit day or any other combination? Thanks for the suggestions . . . I will try to call the Park and ask for their advice as well. hikerchick

Thank you very much for the info, Fromage. I was going to ascend from Camp Muir because I am familiar with the route and have been there before and know a little what to expect. I guess since there will only be two of us on the rope compared to the 4 people on the rope when I went before, I was going with what I felt comfortable with. Also during my last trip we had a climber who had ascended Rainier a number of times and this time I will be the one with the most experience with glacier travel. I will likely return again to climb via a different route but I think for the peace of mind of familiarity, I will deal with the crowds and the "highway" this time around. Any clue how best to write up the permit for 4 nights? Do I have to list the exact camping site or just listing Camp Muir will include the higher camps? Thanks again for the info. hikerchick

I am thinking about climbing Rainier July 1-5, 2006. I have been on Rainier before but didn't summit and made it to the top of the DC. I went in August and am curious what the expected conditions are in early July. Is it likely given snowfall amounts this year that the Ingraham Direct route will still be safe or is the DC the standard route by July? Also, I was thinking of taking my time. There will be 2 of us climbing and we will likely spend the first night at Camp Muir, the second at Ingraham Flats and the third night on the summit if the weather cooperates and the last night at Muir. The above plan is just an idea and obviously the weather will decide how it plays out in the end so my question is mostly how to write up the permit? Do I have to specify where I will spend each night? What if I sign up for the summit but decide once on the mountain that it is safer to head back down? Can I write the permit for 4 nights at Camp Muir and then choose to ascend to higher camps or do I have to stick to my original itinerary? I guess I am mostly confused how to write up the permit properly, any help is appreciated. Thanks. hikerchick