2006. Filmed in 1999 and 2000. Mount Rainier is the third highest peak in the lower 48 states, and an iconic American climbing peak, a backyard Himalaya. At 14,410 feet it is the third highest of the lower 48’s peaks.
The Emmons Glacier is one of the less traveled, but safer and longer routes to Rainier’s summit. This DVD chronicles a 1999 attempt in early summer, which ultimately was turned back at 12,000 feet by bad weather. This is followed by another attempt on the same route later in the summer of 2000 which ends with a successful summit day.
Both climbs start at the Crystal Mountain Resort, just outside of the Rainier National Park. The trailhead begins at White River Campground at 4,500 feet. The next stop is Glacier Basin, elevation 6,500 feet, at the foot of the Interglacier. A steep climb up the Interglacier leads to the Emmons Glacier and finally Camp Schurman, below the apex of Steamboat Prow. At nearly 10,000 feet elevation, Camp Schurman is the usual high camp for summit attempts.
In the 2000 video, the 1:00 A.M. summit departure leads to a crystal clear day, and a successful summit of Mount Rainier. Spectacular mountain scenery, amusing characters. Duration: 40 minutes. Region 1 DVD.
