Upper Mountain Human Waste Etiquette

This photo is a great example of what not to do when defecating on Mount Rainier.  Notice both
the proximity to the climbers trail, as well as Camp Muir in the background.  Next, notice the
Climbing Ranger picking up after this climber.  We don't especially enjoy doing this, so please
use a blue bag and pack out your own human waste.

It usually comes at the most inopportune time, but there are a few elements related to managing human waste that we want to cover in this blog post.

First, the Paradise Wilderness Information Center issues blue bags free of charge for climbers.  Please take a couple with you when you climb and plan to use them.  They're very lightweight and won't weigh you down much at all.

The next step is to use the restroom facilities at Camp Muir or Camp Schurman.  Remember, Proper Prior Planning Prevents "Poor" Performance.

When the time comes and no facilities are available, remove your blue bag from your backpack, step a ways off the climbers trail, and do your duty.  Please do your best to leave a clean area when you are finished.

Both of these photos are great examples of the wrong way of managing your human waste.  Remember, there are thousands of climbers who climb Mount Rainier every year.  Please do your best to keep the mountain clean, especially areas near the trail, camps, and the summit crater. Nobody enjoys seeing or walking over piles of human waste.

Human waste located 14" off the climbing route.