[rommelsharma]

Hi Everyone, Planning for a day hike to Camp Muir and back on 9th or 10th June 2017 (a single day trip only). I am looking for partner(s) so that we can hike together either using the services of a trekking company that lowers the cost as well or if you are confident of climbing and guiding that would be great and I can join (either on 9th or on 10th June). --- adding more info about me as requested for in the thread below --- My hiking experience has mostly been restricted to non-snowy mountains. I have trekked in the mountain belt of the following cities in India - Ooty (10 k mountain run last year), Sikkim (Yumthang valley trek), Kashmir (snow clad at an area called Gulmarg) India. Elevation has been from 8000 to 12000 feet for trek although visited (not via trekking regions at 14000 altitude, not counting them for treks experience though but only for snow clad region experience). My friend accompanying me has a better trekking experience and also has ridden bikes to quite some mountainous regions. We both are men around 40 years old and this info is only for greater acquaintance about who you will be traveling with and as requested for. Photography, traveling and reading are my hobbies. Some of my travels are documented here: http://500px.com/rommelsharma Feel free to ask me anything that would help in partnering with me and a friend of mine to go for day hike to Camp Muir.

[Randito]

Be careful about planning to head to Camp Muir on a specific day. A couple of years ago my wife was training for Mt Adams with Team Survivor Northwest and the the Camp Muir hike was planned for a Saturday in late June. Except that the forecast for that day called for 50mph+ winds and rain. Half the team, choose to go anyway, but wisely turned after reaching Panorama Point in horizontal rain. A smaller group rescheduled for the next day and enjoyed near perfect conditions -- unusually calm -- enough to take a nap on the helipad at Camp Muir in the sun and no wind. So if you must go on a specific day, be willing to turn back if conditions are poor. The Muir snowfield is deadly in bad weather.

[moonspots]

[DIYSteve]

+1 to comments by Randy and moonspots. A day hike or ski to and from Muir in June on a good day is a great scenic workout if you don't mind the crowds/conga line. But on a bad (bad viz or bad weather) it can be serious sh##. Are there guided day hikes to and from Muir on a Friday in June? On a June Friday with good weather there will be lots of people on that route and a trough will develop at the choke points (e.g., below Pan Point). Whatever you do, take a map and compass and be SURE to stay on route on the descent. Stop and occasionally take a bearing. In bad viz it's way too easy to get on the wrong fall line on the descent and get down into no man's land. People have died doing that.

[williswall]

[Bernardo]

The great news is that no matter the weather, there is great outdoor stuff to do in the Park!

[rommelsharma]

Thank you @RandyHiker @moonspots @DIYSteve @williswall @Bernardo. The tips are great. I will sure check the weather and be ready to turn back if weather starts becoming rough. @moonspots the link on weather updates is really useful, thanks! https://www.atmos.washington.edu/data/rainier_report.html I look forward to hearing from you on your availability (and additional members who are likely to join) as that will be great. I will also go through the trip reports: https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=3 A few basic questions: 1. What permits or passes I need to take before going up to Camp Muir, can I do that online? 2. Nearest accommodation for stay a night before so that I can start early? 3. Any recommended travel gear rental company in Seattle? It would be great if anyone else would like to join. Right now it is me and a colleague of mine. Thank you once again.

[Randito]

No permit beyond your park entrance fee is needed for a day trip to Camp Muir. The visitor center at Paradise has an very useful map that you should stop by and get and ask the ranger/volunteer about current conditions. Nearest accomidation is the National Park inn at Paradise. https://reservations.mtrainierguestservices.com/V1WebControlsPI/Custom/ResvRooms.aspx There is also one at Longmire. Rustic and spendy. There are a bunch of places along the road between Ashford and the park entrance all somewhat overpriced and a bit funky. Cougar Rock Campground is another option. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/cougar-rock-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70946

[SergioNapelo]

[rommelsharma]

Thanks @RandyHiker. Very useful information, I will make stay arrangements here. Thanks @SergioNapelo - I have updated my original post with my introduction.

[rommelsharma]

@Bootpathguy My answer and motivation is quite simple and nicely described here: Camp Muir represents a dividing line: this is as high as you can go on Mount Rainier without a climbing permit. From here, you get a close-up view that few visitors to the park ever see: hanging glaciers, towering seracs, yawning crevasses, and thundering rockfall as the ridges of ash and breccia high above melt and crumble in the heat of the sun. My expectation is a physically challenging and satisfying hike and a great experience to build on a snowy trail. (Please fee free to share any experience/advice, we are going through various trip details and advice on fitness etc)

[Randito]

A few more things you should be aware of: The entire route will be snow covered. Melt out at Paradise is usually early July, but this year will be later. You'll want waterproof shoes of some sort. "Trail Runners" with a waterproof membrane are one lightweight option. Gaiters of some sort to keep snow out of boots or shoes. Some sort of supplemental traction device such as YakTrax or Microspikes is desirable, particularly for the steep section getting over Panorama point. A pair of ski poles or trekking poles are useful as well. Also be aware that the combination of snow, long days in June, above timberline travel results in very intense UV and visible light exposure. Severe sunburns are a common injury, blistered skin is possible. Its happened to me when I was young and stupid. I use long sleeved shirts, long pants, a hat with brim and a bandana (thin cloth rag) and gloves to minimize sun exposure now. As well as 50 or more SPF sunscreen on exposed skin. Because of the reflection off the snow, unexpected places can get sunburned as well. Like the bottoms of ears, etc. Very dark sunglasses are highly desirable. 100% UVA/UVB of course, but also very limited visible light transmission. Dark enough sunglasses for snow travel usually have a warning label against wesring while driving. I usually craft a nose shield as well. REI sells sunglasses of the required darkness and premade nose sheilds. Plan on consuming at least 3-4 liters of water during the trek. Streams will be snow covered, but eating snow or gathering snow and adding it to your wide mouth water bottle ca supplement your supply.

[reststep]

Here is a link to a park service pdf page about Camp Muir including a map with compass bearings from Paradise to Camp Muir and Camp Muir to Paradise. If you have time there are good close up views of the other side of Mt. Rainier from 3rd Burroughs Mountain hiking out of Sunrise.

[rommelsharma]

Thanks @RandyHiker and @reststep. @RandyHiker - The inputs were much needed and we did a bit of shopping based on your advice. For nose shields I could not find them at https://www.rei.com/ but did check out www.whittakermountaineering.com that has nose guard (but not a size chart so wondering which one to order :-) ). Very good tip, I will order for one. We plan to rent the hiking shoes, microspikes and trekking poles. For rentals I am looking at: http://www.wta.org/news/signpost/where-to-rent-or-borrow-gear

[agd23]

Hi Rommel I am planning to head up Muir with a friend on the 10th (conditions permitting). Looks like you have already got some good advice from this forum around the required equipment. You are welcome to join us but if this is your first hike in the snow - know that this will be a significant challenge. Its almost 4600 feet of elevation gain and its always tougher in the snow. I have done this a couple of times with some of my friends who were still new to hiking and we have turned back mid way since it is an tough hike and sometimes the elevation can get to you - so be prepared to turn back if you arent feeling good at any point during the climb or if conditions get bad (the mountain will always be there). In case you are interested in joining us - you can PM me. Good luck and stay safe! Anil