At the rangers station we are asked what previous climbs we have done comparable to the north side route and how many times we have climbed and successfully summited Mt. Rainier. They also asked us to list out our gear including how many ice screws, pickets, radios, ropes, etc. After reviewing our list of gear, previous climbing history and our proposed itinerary for the climb they gave us the permit to climb and list of each camp that we could stay.
After getting the necessary paperwork out of the way and getting on the climbing rangers radar, we start off for the White River campground and trail-head to start the next adventure.
Here I am somewhat well rested and ready for the 8 mile hike and climb to our first campsite on Curtis Ridge.
And a view of all the junk crammed into my 55L pack, I am not a big fan of strapping lots of stuff to the outside of my packs other than axes and crampons.
The hike starts out in the woods and then moves out of the tree line into the snow.
After about 4 miles of hiking we start the climb over Elmo's Pass and look at the Winthrop glacier 3.5 square miles of ice and fun.
Which way to go? So many snow bridges to cross.
Finally we reach the campsite on Curtis Ridge and get a good view of the route we will be taking.
After setting up camp a few minutes later I hear a sound come from the mountain and I catch this avalanche ripping right next to the route that we will be on in 12 hours.
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