Washington Highpoint
Mount Rainier
14,411 ft · Mount Rainier National Park
Loading map…
Standard route
Disappointment Cleaver – Ingraham Glacier
From Paradise, the approach crosses the Muir Snowfield to Camp Muir, then continues over glaciated terrain toward the summit. Technical glacier-travel skills are required.
- Approx. elevation gain
- 9,000 ft
- Approx. route length
- 8–9 mi
- Route-brief climb time
- 1–3 days
Typical hazards: Crevasse falls, navigation errors, steep icy slopes, and inadequate physical preparation.
Figures are from the 2017 NPS route brief, still linked by the current climbing page. Glacier routes shift with conditions; these figures do not describe a fixed track or a current route assessment.
NPS Disappointment Cleaver route brief (PDF)Alternative routes
Emmons–Winthrop
A major alternative summit route.
- Approx. elevation gain
- 10,300 ft
- Approx. route length
- 9–10 mi
- Route-brief climb time
- 2–3 days
Typical hazards: Crevasses, navigation errors, and steep icy slopes.
Approximate figures from the 2017 NPS route brief; the glacier route changes with conditions.
NPS Emmons–Winthrop route brief (PDF)Kautz Glacier
Advanced mountaineering route. Consult the official route brief for planning information.
NPS Kautz Glacier route brief (PDF)Liberty Ridge
Advanced mountaineering route. Consult the official route brief for planning information.
NPS Liberty Ridge route brief (PDF)Permits & fees
2026 requirements
Climbing
A climbing permit is required for travel above 10,000 ft or on glaciers.
- Climbing fee
- $82 per person per climb
- Before arrival
- Pay the climbing fee online before arriving at the park.
- Registration
- Payment does not replace climb registration. Climbers must still register.
Wilderness permits & overnight stays
Overnight backcountry stays require a wilderness permit. NPS also requires a wilderness permit for summer single-push climbs, even without camping.
- Wilderness fee
- $12 per person per night; ages 15 and younger are free
- Recreation.gov application
- $6 per trip
- Reservations
- Encouraged during busy periods. Walk-up climbing permits are available subject to capacity.
Park entrance
- Private vehicle
- $30 for 7 consecutive days
- Federal recreation passes
- Qualifying passes may cover park entrance. Entrance fees are separate from climbing fees.
- 2026 timed entry
- No timed-entry reservations are required anywhere in the park in 2026.
Access
Paradise
Know before you go
Technical requirements
This heavily glaciated mountain requires technical glacier-travel rope skills for safe ascent and descent.
Climbers should be in excellent physical condition and properly prepared. Summit routes involve more than 9,000 ft of vertical gain.
Crevasses, steep snow and ice, altitude, navigation, and rapidly changing weather are major hazards.
Pets are not permitted on climbing routes or trails.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Glacier routes, crevasses, snow conditions, roads, and access can change throughout the season. Check current NPS climbing and park conditions before leaving.