Ryan Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Ok, I know that it is variable, but generally speaking, what are the temperatures on Rainier (Camp Muir, summit, etc), in mid-May? We're planning on doing the DC route then, and are deciding whether we should camp at Muir or Ingraham Flats (Muir would negate the need for a tent, Ingraham Flats would give us a head start, but we'd have to carry tents)...OR, can you get by at Ingraham Flats without a tent? Any and all info is much appreciated... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catbirdseat Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Temperatures can vary tremendously on Rainier. You would be best off getting a current weather forecast before you leave and choose your gear based on that. If you get temperatures for Longmire (2760) or Paradise at 5,500 ft, you can figure that the summit will be approximately 30-40 degrees F colder than that. High Camp will be about 20-30 degrees colder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronco Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Last year in mid May I camped in Glacier Basin overnight. Temps were in the upper teens and windy, it was probably sub zero on the summit. Two weeks later it was sunny and 80 when I hiked through the same area. Bring everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_a Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 I wouldn't bank on getting a spot in the muir shelter if you're going to be there on a weekend...that place is a zoo friday and saturday nights. Rainier is just totally unpredictable, if the weather is perfect you could only get by with bivy sacks and no tent at any of the high camps, but its equally likely that you'll be cutting snowblock walls around your tent to keep it from caving in. Even if its not all that cold, running your stove out in the open while trying to keep the spindrift from invading your sleeping bag and the wind knocking out your flame is a pain. Your best bet might be to have a couple different plans figured out and make your decision (tent, no tent, muir shelter, ingraham) based on the forecast you have the day you leave the paradise parking lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted March 24, 2004 Author Share Posted March 24, 2004 Alright, cool. Sounds like hauling a tent along is worth it in the long run. We'll be climbing the route on a Monday/Tuesday, so if we do decide to stay at the Muir shelter I think we'd be able to get a spot. Thanks for the info! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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