We're in helmets, ropes, harnesses and crampons for the upper mountain and headlamps for the darkness. After clearing Cathedral Gap, the dawn is spectacular. This is a long day. Then all of us descend to Paradise village at 5,420 feet. That last climbing day lasts 16 hours.
Hardy climbers reach the summit.
Many of those who make it to the frozen, windswept mountain crest later describe it as almost anti-climactic. But the overall conquering of Rainier is an achievement each of them clearly relishes. Whatever life throws at him, Brandt says, he'll always know he did Rainier. Give me hope Help me cope, with this heavy load. The great Sierra Club founder, John Muir, for whom Rainier's midmountain camp is named, exulted about climbing the mountain in 1888.