Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide (A Climbing Guide) 2nd Edition by Mike Gauthier

by Mike Gauthier

* 41 principal routes and their variations, with aerial photos and route overlays * Extensive material on Rainier's unique weather, terrain, high altitude and glacier training opportunities, and more * Features sidebars on mountain history, Rainier personalities, and dramatic rescues One of author Mike Gauthier's primary duties as Lead Climbing Ranger for Mount Rainier National Park was advising climbing parties about what to expect on the mountain. Name any route on Rainier, and he can describe its rewards and specific challenges (he's summited Rainier more than 170 times during all seasons and under intense conditions). Whether you choose the classic Liberty Ridge route, the drama of Success Cleaver, or the rarely attempted Mowich Face, Gauthier provides all the details you'll need for a successful and enjoyable climb.This edition presents the information on logistics, regulations, and permits. It includes expanded material on understanding and surmounting Rainier's famed glaciers; tips on selecting a guide service; excellent mountaineering training sites around Rainier for those bound for the world's highest peaks; and bonus routes on adjacent Little Tahoma, Washington's third highest peak.

Genres: Climbing, Mountaineering, Nonfiction, Reference, Outdoors, Sports, Nature

Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Andy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a disclaimer, I am not objective about this book. The author, Mike Gauthier, was the lead on the rope last August that got me to the summit of Rainier. It was one of the greatest(and hardest) experiences of my life.

The introduction by Bruce Barcott sums up my impression of Gauthier from the book and my climb with him. The introduction quotes Alex Lowe saying:"There are two kinds of climbers--those who climb because their heart sings in the mountains and all the rest."

Gauthier's love of Rainier is apparent from the book. This is not a dry read or technical manual but a lively book interspersed with human stories from the mountain's history. And while there is a love of the climb, there is also a healthy caution that addresses safety, weather, required physical conditioning, preparation, altitude sickness, mountaineering equipment and clothing. You get the best of both worlds in this book the needed respect and preparation for the climb that allows your heart to sing.

I highly recommend this to climbers and non climbers alike

[Pooja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading in preparation for my upcoming Rainier trek! Felt informative but sort of outdated with information that probably has not stood the test of time (such as NPS phone numbers). Still a useful read! And fairly well written too

[Colleen Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as Jon and I prepare to sign up to climb the highest peak in Washington state in 2015. This is an excellent guidebook, though probably more than I'll need since we will be part of a guided group for our summit bid. The author covers the basics about when to climb, what to bring, how to be safe -- all very important to me of course -- and he includes a section about the geography of the mountain that I found somewhat interesting. I especially enjoyed the accounts of groundbreaking climbs and other history surrounding Ranier.

[Oleg Melnikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a useful book. Obviously this should not be your fist book on mountaineering - it provides very brief info on altitude sickness, on equipment selection, on mental aspects of the climb preparation or strength training.
But it gives a very good description of different (or should I say all possible) climbing routs to the Mt. Rainier.
Well organized, easy to read. Lot of bookmarks (read - useful info).

[Mihai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information guide for climbing Rainier.

[Mjohnstondmd Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info for novice climber like myself. We will see if it prepared me... I am stoked for this May!

[Chrisbaker811 · Rating 5 out of 5]

very valuable when selecting your own route.