The Disappointment Cleaver Route has been all over the upper mountain this year, and September climbing is not an exception. The most recent route change, first mentioned on 8/31, has become established as the current best option to reach the summit. Instead of the taking a hard right of the top of the DC and proceeding to the Emmons Shoulder, this route climbs above the Cleaver through broken and hollow terrain before traversing across the upper Ingraham to just above Camp Comfort at 12,800ft. This Ingraham traverse is very similar to conditions in 2015. Teams will have to negotiate steep terrain, two ladders and significant overhead hazard to make it through. Good time management is key and stopping for any length of time along this section should be avoided. Once above Camp Comfort and climbing on to the upper Nisqually glacier the steepness and overhead hazards ease and the route traverses almost all the way to Point Success and then to the East Crater Rim. Keep an eye out for hollow terrain and crevasse crossings thru here as well. Total Route length is 3.5 miles from camp Muir.A main factor of this current route is its tenuous nature. Many of the current passages are thin and hollow and the current hot weather is not helping. Teams should be prepared to potentially change route or not return exactly the way they came. Stay tuned for any updates as more info from Rangers and Guides become available.
Making the top of Rainier is still possible this September. Come enjoy fewer crowds, and fall vistas on the Mountain.
- Sam Luthy 682
 |
| Hollow terrain just above the Cleaver . |
 |
Double Ladder bridge. |
