Camp Schurman: Emmons-Winthrop and Fall Camp Closures

Thanks everyone for a wonderful climbing season. The following is an update on the route and expected closure for Camp Schurman:


The Changing Of The Seasons:

Temperatures are beginning to cool, moisture is in the air, and snowfall is once again arriving on the upper mountain. Fall weather patterns are settling in with more frequency and Labor Day Weekend has come to pass. The main climbing season is wrapping up here on Mt. Rainier.


What does that mean for the Emmons-Winthrop?

Nobody has successfully summited via the Emmons-Winthrop in several weeks and there is no established route. It has become extremely complex and difficult to navigate with many tricky, thin crossings, many sections requiring protection and a section that requires a vertical climb up and short rappel. There are numerous new crevasse complexes to work through starting right out of Camp Schurman and a route through would likely require significant variation off of the standard route. Guide services have called it for the season on this side.


What does this mean for the rangers and Camp Schurman?

On our end, rangers are beginning to shut down Camp Schurman for the season. This means rangers will not be staffing it. Camp itself is being winterized, so, no resources will be available. This includes bathrooms closing and other little things, like the webcams being taken out of services and blue bag barrels being flown out.


What does this mean for climbers?

If you do choose to venture on this side of the mountain, remember, it is going to be a truly remote and technical mountaineering experience. There have been multiple systems rolling through the region with Fall like weather that have brought snow and rain to the upper mountain. Prepare accordingly.