Mount Rainier Summit Statistics: Elevation, Routes, Success Rates, and Weather

Mount Rainier, an iconic stratovolcano in Washington State, boasts impressive summit statistics. With an official elevation of 14,410 feet (4,392 meters), it’s the highest peak in the Cascade Range. The mountain features two volcanic craters, extensive glaciation, and challenging climbing routes. Success rates for summiting vary, with about 50% of climbers reaching the top annually. Weather conditions at the summit can be extreme, with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 40°F and annual snowfall exceeding 600 inches.

What is the Exact Elevation of Mount Rainier’s Summit?

Mount Rainier’s summit elevation has been a subject of slight variations due to geological changes:

• Official elevation at Columbia Crest: 14,410 feet (4,392 meters)
• Recent survey of Southwest Rim: 14,389.2 feet

Despite the minor difference, Columbia Crest is still widely recognized as the summit. The mountain’s geological features include:

• Two volcanic craters at the summit, each over 1,000 feet in diameter
• A small crater lake in the west crater, the highest in North America
• Over 35 square miles of snow and ice, forming the largest single-peak glacial system in the United States

What Are the Primary Climbing Routes to Mount Rainier’s Summit?

Mount Rainier offers several climbing routes, each with unique challenges:

1. Camp Muir-Disappointment Cleaver Route
2. Length: Approximately 9,000 vertical feet
3. Difficulty: Moderate

4. Technical challenges: Glacier travel, crevasse rescue, rocky terrain navigation

5. Interglacier-Emmons Glacier Route

6. Difficulty: Moderate
7. Focus: Long glacier trudge

8. Technical challenges: Extensive glacier travel, crevasse rescue skills

9. Liberty Ridge Route

10. Difficulty: Challenging
11. Location: Northwest face of the mountain

12. Technical challenges: Steep ice and rock climbing

13. Willis Wall Route

14. Difficulty: Extremely challenging
15. Location: 4,000-foot north face
16. Technical challenges: Crumbling rock and ice, steep terrain

All routes require permits and registration with National Park rangers.

What Are the Success Rates for Summiting Mount Rainier?

Success rates for reaching Mount Rainier’s summit vary based on several factors:

• Overall success rate: Approximately 50% annually
• Seasonal variations:
• Higher success rates in summer months
• Lower success rates in winter and early spring
• Climber experience:
• Experienced climbers and guided groups tend to have higher success rates
• Less experienced solo climbers face more challenges

Season	Success Rate	Factors Affecting Success
Summer	Higher	Favorable weather, better conditions
Winter	Lower	Extreme cold, heavy snowfall, high winds
Spring	Moderate	Varying conditions, potential for late-season storms

What Are the Weather Statistics for Mount Rainier’s Summit?

Weather conditions at Mount Rainier’s summit can be extreme and highly variable:

1. Temperature Range:
2. Overall: -20°F to 40°F (-29°C to 4°C)
3. Summer daytime: 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C)

4. Winter: Well below 0°F (-18°C)

5. Precipitation:

6. Annual snowfall: Over 600 inches at the summit

7. Rain and snow possible year-round

8. Wind Speeds:

9. Often exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)

10. Can reach over 100 mph (161 km/h) in extreme conditions

11. Seasonal Variations:

12. Summer: Best climbing conditions, clearer skies, warmer temperatures
13. Winter and Spring: More challenging, heavy snowfall, high winds, colder temperatures

Understanding these mount rainier summit statistics is crucial for climbers planning an ascent. The combination of elevation, route difficulty, success rates, and weather conditions makes Mount Rainier a challenging and rewarding climb for experienced mountaineers.

References:
1. Mount Rainier National Park Geologic Resources Evaluation Report
2. Mount Rainier – Wikipedia
3. Mount Rainier, Washington – Peakbagger.com