Mount Rainier 4 Day Emmons Climb Itinerary

Day 0 – Gear Check and Orientation

Climbers are required to attend a gear check and orientation at the Alpine Ascents office in Seattle at 2:00 p.m. the afternoon before the trip begins. During this two-hour session, guides provide a climb overview, conduct a thorough gear check, review Leave No Trace (LNT) practices, and discuss the National Park Mission Statement.

Day 1 – White River Campground to Inter Glacier Camp (8,500 ft)

Meet at the Alpine Ascents office at 6:00 a.m. before departing for Mount Rainier. The climb begins at White River Campground (4,300 ft.) and follows a scenic forest trail along the White River to Glacier Basin, an open meadow with expansive views of Mount Rainier.

From Glacier Basin, the route ascends steeper snow slopes on the Inter Glacier to the first camp at approximately 8,500 feet. After establishing camp, guides review snow travel, glacier travel techniques, ice axe use, and breathing strategies to prepare for the climb ahead while allowing time for acclimatization.

• Altitudes: White River Campground (4,300 ft.) / Inter Glacier Camp (8,500 ft.)
• Elevation Gain: 4,200 ft.
• Mileage: 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Day 2 – Inter Glacier Camp to Camp Schurman (9,500 ft)

The day begins with a short climb up the remaining section of the Inter Glacier before crossing onto the Emmons Glacier and reaching Camp Schurman (9,500 ft.), where High Camp is established.

The shorter schedule provides time to rest, acclimatize, and continue practicing glacier travel and rope techniques before the early morning summit attempt.

• Altitudes: Inter Glacier Camp (8,500 ft.) / Camp Schurman (9,500 ft.)
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft.
• Mileage: 1 mile
• Hiking Time: 2–4 hours

Day 3 – Camp Schurman to Columbia Crest (14,411 ft.) to Camp Schurman

Summit day begins well before sunrise to take advantage of the best glacier travel conditions. The route ascends the Emmons Glacier Corridor, crossing snow bridges and navigating crevasses while climbing moderate snow slopes toward Columbia Crest.

Weather permitting, climbers enjoy time on the summit for photos, food, and spectacular views before descending carefully back to Camp Schurman for dinner, rest, and a final night on the mountain.

• Altitudes: Camp Schurman (9,500 ft.) / Columbia Crest (14,411 ft.)
• Elevation Change: 4,911 ft. ascent / 4,911 ft. descent
• Mileage: 3 miles up / 3 miles down
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 4–5 hours down

Day 4 – Camp Schurman to White River Campground

The final day begins with a descent across the Emmons Glacier and back onto the Inter Glacier. When conditions allow, climbers may individually glissade sections of the snowfield toward Glacier Basin.

After returning to the trail, climbing boots are exchanged for hiking shoes before completing the hike back to White River Campground. The team then returns to Seattle to celebrate the completion of the climb.

• Altitudes: Camp Schurman (9,500 ft.) / White River Campground (4,300 ft.)
• Elevation Loss: 5,200 ft.
• Mileage: 6 miles
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours