Camp Muir Overnight: 25 Jun 2022

Camp Muir Overnight Backpack

In Seattle Mt Rainier stands tall on a clear day from so many directions, it is generally know as "the mountain" and people often say "the mountain is out today"

I learnt this very quickly after I moved over here :)

The base camp for Mt Rainier is known as Camp Muir. It is a pretty strenuous hike up, at over 4600 feet gain in elevation over 4 miles, you are almost always going uphill :)

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/camp-muir

Having done day hikes up to Muir, and once staying overnight at the shelter there for a climb, I thought it would be a cool experience to camp in a tent at 10080 feet and just enjoy the vibe, I know what you may be thinking....but the views ;)

You will require a permit to stay overnight at Camp Muir ( alpine or Snow field ). This will need to be picked up at he Ranger station the night before or the morning of. We decided to pick it up the night before, and camp nearby, so we could start at 7am the next day. The weather report was that it will be HOT, so an early start would provide the coolness of the morning and also avoid melting snow, hence we could reduce the post holing. I did not want to carry snow shoes along with overnight gear..lol

This is the packing list for this trip: https://lighterpack.com/r/yg0au7

You will notice I packed a summer sleeping bag rated at 20F: https://www.thermarest.com/sleeping-bags-and-quilts/fast-and-light/hyperion-20f-6c-sleeping-bag/hyperion-20.html

I will not do this again, even though the overnight temperature was 32F, the comfort rating for this bag is 32F. 

Anyways, lets get back to the trip and what you can expect.

The hike heading up to Panorama point is beautiful, you will see Mt Adams, Mt St Helens and possibly Mt Hood depending on how clear a day you get.

The last push to get to Panorama point can be tough, ~300ft in ~0.3miles, it pretty steep. I generally use an ice axe with spikes, although this time there were lovely kicksteps that other hikers had created, and poles would have been fine.

You will find lots of happy people enjoying themselves on at Panorama point, there pit toilets there, and it was opened!

From Panorama to get to McClure rocks you start to get a feel for this mountain, as you hit 7000ft, Adams, and Helens keep getting more in view, and you start to look above the Tatoosh Ranges.

The next 2000feet takes you to various rock outcrops and eventually to Moon Rocks. I like to spend time enjoying another break here, looking up you will see Anvil Rock.

At this point you may think Camp Muir is close, but believe me, when you carrying 33lbs+ the last 1200feet is a SLOG!!

You can start to see the reflection of the solar panels and structures at Camp Muir, and this is deceiving, as the air is starting to get thinner, you used alot of energy to get to 9000 feet, and may just want to push harder, but dont!

Take it nice an easy, as there still a bit of elevation even though the stats make it look easy. 

As you approach the last 50feet, you are now really high, and see all the other Volcanoes, and how small some peaks now look at this height. Then you at Muir, and you sit back and enjoy an ice cold beverage, your legs burning from the uphill climb, a feel of joy just hits you!!

It even better knowing that once you setup your tent, you can just chill! 

I quickly asked a ranger where would be a good spot that was open, and he pointed us to a number of tents where climbers were setting up for their Rainier summit.

We found a lovely spot, that was already flattened out, and we took it :) After about 20min, the tent was up, our sleeping mats were setup, and I started to feel really sleepy..lol this is at 3pm..

Having setup with some shade, we proceeded to take a nap, listening to climbers talk about the summit plans, and enjoying an ice cold breeze, this was heaven.

After dosing off and waking up, I was hungry, we brought up tons tons snacks and treats to enjoy a guilt free indulgence.

After making some decaf, and almond shortbread, I got out took some pics, and noticed that the sun will be cresting the ridgeline, even though sunset is at 9.05pm, we were in a sheltered area, and once the sun disappears the temperature suddenly feels very alpine!

Adding a fleece layer, I got out the camera and proceeded to enjoy the everchanging views. More climbers were arriving and day hikers were almost gone by now.

The Ranger came around to ask if we were climbing and checked out permit, provided us with some very helpful wind info.

At this point, it was dinner time. I carried a footlong veggie sub ( from Subway ) and made some cuppa soup along with some sour cream chips. I also carry a MSR skillet to toast the sub, this makes it just devine. After dinner some chocolate, my hiking partner surprised me with a large Twix..that and some coffee just hit the spot.

Around 9pm, things start to quieten down, as most folks are getting their sleep for the climb, one group was leaving at 10pm, so we were sure to be as quiet as possible.

We watched the sunset, with some hot drinks, and few other folks, watch the pink colors, and Mt Rainiers shadow was amazing, I had never seen Mt Rainiers shadow previously and what a treat.

Soon, it was off to bed :) After putting on 2 base layers I was snug in the sleeping bag, with my zero degree bag, I just sleep with a basic layer, but with this 32F bag, I needed an extra layer for comfort.

I slept soundly till 2.37am, I slowly started to add some layers, put on shoes, and started to capture the early morning light show.

This is one of my favorite experiences at altitude, granted it can be a little cold to get out of the bag, but once you do, and get some hot coffee, its a magical wonderland.

A few climbers were heading back, so you can see their headlamps.

The morning Mt Rainier shadow was spectacular, I reckon seeing this was one of my highlights!

It really shows the implied size of the mountain.

A day hiker arrived and enjoy the views as well, he must have left really early, and his hard work paid off!!

7am, time to pack things up, and get ready for glissading :)

The chutes were a little tough to get going, but as the snow started to get softer it became lots more fun!

Passing hikers / climbers on their way up and me going...."whoo hoo" downhill was a great feeling..

Today was hot, and no wind, so the folks coming up had it tough!!

The best glissade was coming down Panorama point, beware a rocks are starting to stick out, so use your ice axe to slow down or avoid those areas completely.

Once you finish that glissade, you start to see many day hikers and families with kids etc, its an easy walk to the overflow lot for overnight campers / climbers and with the temperature hitting 80F+, I was happy to be in an airconditioned car!

Anyways, this was quite an adventure, I suggest getting in some training hikes above 4000F of gain to prepare, especially if you are carrying an overnight pack :)

The rewards in my opinion are not comparable to any hotel, the experience, the vibe, the stars, the sunrise, sunset, glissading all adds up to a memory one will always cherish!!

Happy adventures and stay safe.