Camp Muir Attempt

On September 27th, Cody and I decided to attempt the 8.4 mile out-and-back hike to Camp Muir on Mount Rainier. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and warmer than we expected. We took it easy getting to the higher elevation so we wouldn’t sweat too much and possibly risk hypothermia once we got higher.

It was so clear we could see Mount Saint Helens, Mount Hood, and Mount Adams in the distance!

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The trail started on the Skyline Trail and then broke off at the Camp Muir route, where the signs basically said “good luck and Godspeed.” We were entering a danger zone, where conditions could change in an instant from clear to whiteout. There was also no maintained trail once we reached the snowfields, because it is impossible to carve out a trail into snow that is constantly changing.

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Once we got off the rock and came to the bottom of the snowfields, we both put our snow traction on and prepared for the climb. We had about 3,000 feet of elevation gain to cover in two miles, in the snow, and it was windy up there!! We stopped quite a bit to take breaks and catch our breath. Everything is harder at 7500 feet!

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We took a snack break about a mile from Camp Muir. We were both exhausted and spent a lot of time debating whether or not to continue. Of course we wanted to finish, but we decided it would be better to turn back. Neither of us was feeling great, and I was starting to feel a little nauseated up there. It was a tough decision, but we turned around and headed back down the mountain.

AllTrails rates this hike as “hard” and I 100% agree. This trail is tough!! You’re hiking on rocks, snow, in high elevation, and up a very steep grade. My poor calves were so sore, friends. For like a week! It was also pretty wild hiking on the snowfield. There was no designated path, but there were plenty of footprints to follow up the mountain! Also, I couldn’t hear it on the way up, because the wind was blowing so hard, but on the way down I could hear running water. There is running water underneath all those feet of snow. This one is not for the faint of heart, or those without a healthy respect for nature.

I still want to hike to Camp Muir, but it’s going to have to wait for another time. Maybe then, I’ll have enough experience and be in better shape to summit!

I hope this week has been treating you kindly. Take care of yourselves and be safe!