May 20, 2023
IMG Lead Guide Porter McMichael just recently led a team to the summit of Mt Rainier via the Kautz Glacier, our first summit via that route this season! The team reported great weather and good climbing conditions. Between May 16th and 19th the team climbed from paradise, up to Camp Hazard, up the famous ice chutes, and to the summit, before descending the same way they came. This route is much more seldom traveled than other routes on Rainier and makes for a great experience for those who are willing to work hard and climb some ice!
Photo: IMG Guides Colton and Lindsey climbing the Kautz ice chute at sunrise (Porter McMichael)
Photo: IMG Guide Porter McMichael belays a climber up the rock step (Mark Albrecht)
Photo: Colton Bramsen leads a pitch of ice on the Kautz Glacier (Porter McMichael)