I love hiking in the mountains. The crisp air, the natural solitude, and the stunning views all create some amazing memories, regardless of what trail I'm ascending. While I understand the appeal of looking up at the top of a mountain and going "Man, I wonder what the view is like up there," I'll never be able to make that climb.

Thankfully, others do and thanks to modern technology we're able to see what it's like. I found this recent video of a hike up Mount Rainier and had to share it with you!

Climbers looking down Mount Rainier above cloud level
You can even see distant mountains. Credit: Ryan Mitchell via YouTube
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Can you climb Mount Rainier to its summit?

Yes! As you'll see in the video below, the mountain is not off-limits for hiking or climbing. There are four major trail heads you can use to approach the summit:  Paradise, Westside Road, White River, and Mowich Lake. From these, there are over 20 climbing routes and ski descents you can access.

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Are there requirements to climb Mount Rainier?

Yes. Every climbing party needs to purchase a Climb Permit (which helps pay for rangers, search and rescue, and safety operations on the mountain), and each individual must also have pay the annual climbing fee.

View from Mount Rainier Summit
What an amazing view! Credit: Ryan Mitchell via YouTube
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How difficult is the Mount Rainier Climb?

Per the National Park Service:

Reaching the summit via any route requires a vertical elevation gain of more than 9,000 feet and traveling over ten miles in distance. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and well prepared. Technical glacier-travel rope skills are also required to ascend and descend the mountain safely.

Watch this climbing party ascend Mount Rainier

On with the video! Below, YouTuber Ryan Mitchell - who climbed Mount Everest at age 19 - ascends Mount Rainier, one of Washington's most famous peaks. He filmed the entire hike in high definition, and cut that footage down to a sizeable one hour worth watching if you're an outdoor enthusiast.

Looking for more Washington outdoor adventures?

Check out the lists below for some ideas that might seem a little more friendly than a hike up Mount Rainier.

10 Best Most Popular Hikes in Washington State

Come take a hike with us to view the 10 most popular hikes people love in Washington state.

Gallery Credit: Reesha Cosby

This Hike in the Columbia River Gorge is a Must Experience

The Labyrinth to Coyote Wall Loop. It runs 6.7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,489 feet. It features a waterfall, lava tube, rock formations, and incredible views. It’s heavily trafficked with hikers and mountain bikers on weekends and dogs are welcome on a leash. Beware, you’ll need good hiking shoes as a good portion of the trail is very rocky. It’s open all year round, but the experts recommend day use from March to November.  

Gallery Credit: Paul Drake

The 8 Best Places To Go Camping in Washington & Idaho

Thrillist shared a list of the "Best Places To Camp In The Pacific Northwest," out of the 12, eight of them were in Washington and Idaho.

 

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