Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide

This is one of the best climbing guides that I have ever seen. I think that guides of this nature (no pun intended) have to walk a fine line between giving too much information and giving so little that somebody gets hurt on a route they shouldn't be on. This book walks that line masterfully. To begin with, the routes are organized in groups that are sorted by their respective approaches. The technical information about difficulties, level of intensity, and time involved are extremely realistic for semi-experienced mountaineers. What I like best, however, are the descriptions of the routes and the pictures. The descriptions are detailed enough to address certain specifics but leave enough unsaid to not spoil the personality of the individual routes. Mike's pictures are great (good enough to be on permanent display at Longmire) and show the mountain in stunning detail. Most routes receive several pictures to help you see it from all sides.To be sure, this is one climbing guide that you must use to fully appreciate. It is not a coffee table book or a course on mountaineering - it is an excellent text detailing all of the major routes on the mountain and their commitment level for all levels of climbers. You cannot do better than this book if you are planning a climb of Rainier. From the explanations of how the seasons effect the routes to the group checklist of gear, this is one book that will pay for itself in spades by the time you are done with it.

For both the aspiring Rainier climber, and the veteran wishing to seek out a new adventure, the first step in a successful climb is to obtain this essential guide book. I found Gauthier's book contained absolutely all the information any climber needs to be successful on a climb of this wonderful mountain, and most importantly be able to come back home to talk about it. Climbers can also be sure that all the information is accurate and up to date due to Gauthier's unique position as the Lead Climbing Ranger for Mt. Rainier National Park. Where I was most impressed with this book however, was with the route descriptions and photographs. As with the rest of the book there is no "fluff" here. The route descriptions cover all the information you need to safely ascend these routes, and have no garbage to wade through to get to it. The clear, easy to follow route pictures set the standard for which I have yet to see an equal (and believe me I have wasted enough money and time looking). I was also relieved to see a guidebook written by someone who truly knows this great mountain, and lives and works on it year-round. Any climber can learn from Gauthier's vast, expansive knowledge and his experience is second to none. All this and it will actually fit in the top flap of your pack! The definitive guide to Mt. Rainier and the only book I will ever recommend.

Superior route photography and excellent route overlays set this book apart from all the rest. Gauthier's aerial photographs depict recent glacial conditions, and the generous number of photos show many of the routes from a variety of descriptive angles. The route descriptions are excellent and reflect the author's tremendous knowledge and experience all around the mountain. The first half of the book provides a comprehensive text on skills, strategies, and preparation for climbing Mt. Rainier. Anyone unfamiliar with Rainier- whether a novice climber or a seasoned alpinist- will find a wealth of useful information unique to this mountain. Gauthier addresses not only the fundamentals of mountaineering on Rainier, but provides sound advice coming from years of climbing the mountain in all seasons and conditions. Experienced climbers new to Rainier will appreciate the author's insights to safe climbing strategies on the mountain. Many experienced climbers have underestimated Rainier and have become the subject of a surprising number of rescues on the mountain. The author presents sound principles of "mountain sense", as particular to Rainier as anywhere else, that every climber should learn. Whether you're a novice climber aspiring to climb Rainier, a Rainier veteran looking for a new challenge, or a climber of any ability seeking to learn as much as possible about climbing this mountain, this book is a must-have.

For the past eight years, I have climbed on Mt. Rainier and each year I have been able to share the experience with new climbers eager to meet the challange. Finally, there is a guide book that is comprehensive enough to be useful to both the novice and the experienced alpinist. I found that the opening chapters were well written and offered a great foundation for new climbers preparing for any mountaineering experience. The route descriptions were detailed and provide the necessary knowledge to plan your climb. The photos complement the route descriptions with great detail and the photo angles give the birds-eye view that route finders long for. I have another trip planned this spring and I have recommended this book to each member of the planned party. Each person has gotten back to me stating positive comments and feeling reassured with a better concept of the challange that lies ahead. Like most climbers, my bookshelves hold many guide books, but this one stands out as the one I'll reference most of all. Finally, anyone who has met Mike on the mountain knows that his knowledge of both Rainier and climbing are boundless, and it is apparent in his writing. Safe climbing to everyone.

This is a GREAT book! Incredible photos, excellent route descriptions and comprehensive information make "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" the A-Z directory for your Rainier summit dreams. Gauthier is an expert; his enthusiasm and vast mountain experience are amply shared with the reader. Well organized and easy to follow, the book has 2 sections. The first details everything you want to know when thinking about or planning a Mount Rainier climb; what it takes, how to prepare, what to expect, when to go, where to get current information on permits, weather, route, avalanche conditions, guide services, rescues, and more. The second section is devoted to the 39 climbing routes and variations. These descriptions are easy to read and understand; outstanding photographs with route overlays clearly show the mountain and its climbing routes. All combined "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" is the authoritative book to own when considering any climbing trip on Rainier. You won't be disappointed!