Hike to Camp Muir — Mount Rainier, Washington

Mount Rainier has always stood out on the Washington skyline and called to anyone looking for an alpine adventure. At 14,410 feet, it is both intimidating and inspiring. One of its best-known hikes leads to Camp Muir, a rugged base camp at 10,188 feet. The route feels like much more than a normal hike as it climbs through snowfields, shifting clouds, and some incredible mountain scenery.

The glaciated mass of Mount Rainier rising above the Paradise area — Mount Rainier seen from Paradise.

The Skyline Trail climbing toward higher ground — Reaching the upper Skyline Trail.

Low cloud settling over high meadows on the mountain — Alpine meadows under a blanket of cloud.

A marmot watching from just off the path — A curious marmot along the trail.

The wide snow slope of the Muir Snowfield ahead on the route — Approaching the Muir Snowfield.

Mount Adams standing far off above the cloud layer — Mount Adams is visible in the distance.

A flat blanket of cloud spread out below the climb — Above a sea of clouds.

Climbers strung out single file across the snow — A line of climbers heading toward camp.

Broken, crevassed ice of the Nisqually Glacier — A view of the Nisqually Glacier.

The buildings of Camp Muir still far off across the snowfield — Camp Muir in the distance.

Arriving at Camp Muir after the long climb — Made it to Camp Muir—elevation 10,188 feet.

Shelters and tents where climbers stay before going higher — High camp for summit-bound climbers.

A deep split in the glacier on the way to the top — A crevasse along the summit route.

Food eaten once the day's climbing was finished — A much-needed meal after the climb.

Pausing on the mountain at the end of a demanding day — A strenuous hike, but the views made it all worthwhile.

Heading downhill with visibility reduced to almost nothing — Descending in whiteout conditions.