Four hikers missing on Mt. Rainier

 

The four hikers are still missing on Mt. Rainier after two weeks passed.  The missing two campers are 37-year-old Mark Vucich, of San Diego, and 30-year-old Michelle Trojanowski, of Atlanta, who were due to return on Jan. 15 after camping in Muir Snowfield at 10,000'.  The two climbers were identified as 52-year-old Sork "Erik" Yang, of Springfield, Ore., and Seol Hee Jin, of Korea.  They were attempting to summit through the Disappointment Cleaver route and were due back on Jan. 16.

I was hiking on Mt. Rainier with my friend that weekend when the four missing hikers were hiking.  We might have been one of the last people who happened to see the four hikers ascending that afternoon, which I reported to the park authorities.  Read my post Mt. Rainier - Lenticular Clouds.  The four hikers are mentioned there....of course, I had no knowledge that those four hikers were missing when I posted it on Jan 19.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/01/21/1993316/four-overdue-rainier-hikers-still.html#storylink=cpy

King 5 News reported for most of last week the weather was so bad on Mount Rainier that searchers couldn't see their hands in front of their faces. But Monday the weather changed, giving them a critical window to start the search for four missing hikers.  Time was running out for the four hikers lost on Mount Rainier.  Park rangers ramped down the search as a window of good weather came to a close on Monday.  

According to the News Tribune, park spokesman Kevin Bacher said Friday that they would continue to search as opportunity and resources permit,  but the chances of that having a positive outcome pretty small.  This is no longer considered an active search, Bacher said.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/01/27/2002314/search-for-four-hikers-missing.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/01/27/2002314/search-for-four-hikers-missing.html#storylink=cpy

Experts say in the New York Times the rewards for the hardy few who attempt the summit of the 14,411-foot heavily glaciated volcano in winter are great — as are the dangers.  "The surreal and sublime austerity of being up in the wilderness on the mountain is heightened in the winter," said Stefan Lofgren, mountaineering district ranger in charge of the climbing, search and rescue and aviation programs at Mount Rainier National Park. 

For those who want to head out to Rainier, Lofgren and others say never underestimate the weather and how quickly it can disorient. "Challenge yourself, but acquire your skill with conservation," he said.  "If everybody dialed it back a notch in these big storms, we might have fewer rescues," Baugher said. "If you're in the mountains, you have to give these winter storms their due respect." 

The Mountain News - WA wrote "Anatomy of the search of the four overdue hikers at Mt. Rainier" based on the interview with park spokesman Kevin Bacher, which reports cross-sectional analysis and assessment of the incident.  “If it had been a normal winter, they wouldn’t have been able to get very far without sinking down into the snow,” said Bacher.  “As a result, they may have gotten into bigger trouble than they had anticipated.”

America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes - Muir Snowfield, Mt. Rainier

The BACKPACKER magazine October 2008 issue published comments on Mt. Rainier's Muir Snowfield, listed as America's 10 most dangerous hikes.  Candid comments include hikers' testimonies and advice on Muir Snowfield, why Muir Snowfield is potentially so "dangerous" and what you should know before you hike up to Camp Muir.  Also, they are to become useful information to remember if you plan to hike on any parts of Mt. Rainier.

Mt. Rainier Annual Climbing Statistics

Statistics indicate that in each of the last several years approximately 10,000 people have attempted climbing Mount Rainier. Over the last five years about 56.8% have been successful. Climbing Statistics are available from 1852 to 1897 and from 1950 to the most recent year. Data available include the number of climbers and the number of climbers successful. Annual Mountaineering reports and search-and-rescue (SAR) reports are available on the Mountaineering Reports and Statistics page.  Also, Fatality List is available to view.  Don't be surprised to learn how many lives have been lost on this mountain.  Behind its majestic beauty Mt. Rainier has claimed many lives with no mercy.  And yet, hikers and mountaineers continue to be magnetized to climb Mt. Rainier.

"Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?" 

"Because it’s there."

  

- George Mallory -

     

Seattle Snowstorm 2012

                   

"Seattle - Jan. 19, 2012.  A little more snow flurry into the third day here in Seattle, but not so significant accumulation today.....just a touch.  The total snow precipitation in Seattle area for the last 3 days is about  a half foot or so....."

Go to Random and read more.

Mt. Rainier - Lenticular clouds

*Click image to view large.

Mt. Rainier - Jan.13, 2012.  Perfect day for snowshoeing in Mt. Rainier.  The temperature was 43 degrees at Paradise (5,400')....wow, it was like early spring.  Patchy cloud and a little hazy, but nothing to complain about the condition of the snow and the weather.   From Paradise parking lot my friend and I  headed out to Panorama Point and possibly farther up toward Camp Muir depending on time and conditions permitted.  Although I "forgot" my snowshoes (Oops!), the packed and crusty snow was fairly easy and maneuverable to hike in my snow-sealed hiking boots.   On the way to Glacier Vista,  a ranger who was patrolling the area warned us about the steep slope(direct approach to Panorama Point).....it might be very icy, she said.  There were a few other hikers ahead and I saw them putting on crampons by the bottom of the slope.  Looking up the slope to evaluate, the slope's surface snow looked soft and crusty, but it could be deceiving....icy.  So, I decided to use crampons just in case.  I've done this ascent many times in the past and knew the routine.....but it is better to be well prepared just in case.  The ascent was pretty smooth.  My friend gave up about half way and decided to turn around and wait for my return after my "butt kicking workout" to Panorama Point.  There were a few icy spots near the top of the slope, but nothing threatening.  At Panorama Point, the view of "the volcanic ring of fire" - Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens - was spectacular, particularly Mt. Hood was very clear that day in spite of the distance.  I knew time was running out....it was already 2pm!  No time to go all the way to Camp Muir for sure.  After a brief chat with a hiker I met at Panorama Point, I decided to keep ascending for another hour (3pm) or so and turn around.  Between Panorama Point and Pebble Creek  I noticed a sign of snow shortage this winter.  The snow field was partially rock-exposed.  Also, it got cold and windy by the time reaching near Pebble Creek (7,000').  It was time to turn around.  That was when I noticed Mt. Rainier was forming an interesting cloud - lenticular cloud, which also often indicates a sign of storm moving in.  The cloud was forming up like a huge ball right above Rainier's top.  Quite amazing.  I've seen lenticular clouds before, but this one was quite different.  Enjoying the view of the could, I felt the wind was really picking up hard and temperature dropping fast.  It was time to turn around for sure and quickly began descending.  On the way down to Panorama Point  I passed by four hikers who were ascending.   I told them to be careful and be prepared for the nasty weather up there since it was getting windy and cold near Pebble Creek.  My friend was waiting for me at the bottom of Panorama Point.  After rendezvous, we made a quick stop at Glacier Vista to see the glacier on the way back to Paradise.  We returned to Paradise around 4:30pm.  Upon leaving the park,  we were greeted by "the" two foxes in the parking lot....red one and black one.  They are regulars in Paradise....looking for a "handout".   The sunset burning the sky was spectacular on the way down to Longmire.   It was another great hike in Mt. Rainier!

PS:  Don't forget snowshoes if you intend to snowshoe!

How to get Mt. Rainier National Park:

From Seattle
South on I-5 to SR 512 (exit 127). East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.

 Lenticular cloud over Mt. Rainier

Lenticular cloud beginning to form.

 Rainier's having a BALL!

 View east of below Pebble Creek....rock exposed, lack of snow is clearly seen.

Burning sky at sunset.

Mt. Whitney, CA

*Click image to view large.

September 14/15, 2010

Mt. Whitney – 14,505’ towers along the Sierra Crest and it is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States……and perhaps, it is one of the most popular mountain hikes in the Sierra Nevada. Whitney is located between Inyo and Tulare counties, 85 miles west of the lowest point in North America = Badwater in Death Valley National Park (282’ below sea level). It also stands within Sequoia National Park and the summit is the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail which is 211 mile wilderness trail from Yosemite National Park through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park and King's Canyon  National Park and ends at Mt. Whitney with the elevation of 14,505’.

The official plaque on the summit rock

“No pain, no gain” - this proverb would fit in this 22 mile RT journey to the highest peak.  There are many people who do this hike repeatedly. That may be the captivating power of the beauty of this magical landscape and pristine wilderness = the Sierra Crest. In fact, there are many moments that you stop and feel “awestruck’ by jaw-dropping vistas all along the Whitney trail, not just to stop and inhale as much “thin air” as possible!? Particularly, the views of alpine lakes and mountain ranges of the Sierra Crest along the John Muir Trail are dramatically stunning.
                                                                          

If you are planning to summit Mt. Whitney?  Here's some tips for you.  Prepare in advance both physically and mentally, particularly for high altitude and do some homework before heading out to Whitney.  Wilderness permit is required for both day hikers and backpackers. And guess what?..... permits based on annual quotas can be all gone prior to the season.  Mt. Whitney trail is a very popular hike.  But, don’t be discouraged if permits are all sold out because there are always unreserved or cancelled permits which become available on a first-come, first-served basis after 2pm daily during the season. Bear-proof food canisters are required and no food is allowed to leave in your car because there have been incidents attacked by hungry bears!  Bear lockers are available in the parking lot so that you can keep your food.  You can rent a bear canister at the visitor center ($2.50/day).  Pack-out all human waste and campfires are prohibited.  If you have any questions re climbing Mt. Whitney, contact Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, CA.  They have necessary information and daily updates such as weather, trail condition, permits, etc.

                                                                                                                                                      

View east of Alabama Hills along Whitney Portal Road and

Lone Pine and US 395 in the valley.

Mt. Whitney from Alabama Hills

Location/Elevation/Distance:

1. Whitney Portal       8,360'   0.0 mi
2. Lone Pine Lake      9,900'   2.8 mi
3. Outpost Camp     10,400'   3.8 mi
4. Mirror Lake         10,640'   4.0 mi
5. Trailside Meadow 11,400'   5.0 mi
6. Trail Camp          12,000'   6.0 mi
7. Trail Crest           13,700'   8.2 mi
8. Muir Trail JCT      13,480'   8.7 mi
9. Summit              14,505'  11.0 mi

How to get there: 

From Lone Pine, CA, travel 13 miles west on Whitney Portal Road. Trailhead is on the right side of the road at Whitney Portal.


The Journey

I arrived at the trailhead in Whitney Portal (8,360’) around 5:30pm with a luck in my hand....there was one cancellation of Wilderness Permit that afternoon, thank God! The parking lot for overnight hikers was almost FULL. After I managed to secure a spot for my car, I checked around the portal area first to familiarize myself  - Whitney Portal store, restrooms, bear-proof food lockers and the trailhead.  My game plan was to change clothes, check all the gear and essentials, eat dinner, store food in the bear locker, and hit the trail by 8pm.  Hike about 4 miles to Outpost Camp (10,360’), set up a tent, sleep, get up before sunrise and aim to summit by noon.

 

 Mount Whitney Trailhead at Whitney Portal.

Entering the John Muir Wilderness.  It was pitch dark!

After 2.5 hrs hike from trailhead, I reached Outpost Camp (10,360’) around 10:30pm. I set up my base camp, which was very simple - sleeping mat and sleeping bag with a bivy, that’s it. I planned that way to make it simple, easy and light.  I knew the weather was going to be cooperative that night - calm and warm.  As a general rule, the bear canister is supposed to be placed at least 50’ away and in a leveled area, not by cliff or water.  I placed it under a tree about 100’ away from me.

The sky was crystal clear and myriads of twinkling and shooting stars.  It made me feel like I was not there at Mt. Whitney, but flew into the starry sky and exploring the universe.  It was after midnight.   I finally closed my eyes and slipped into another universe…….

 

Time to hit the trail!  After a short sleep, I was back on trail by 4:30am, ascending to Trail Camp 12,000'.  Around 11,000', looking down toward Lone Pine, which was covered by low clouds and only seen were some peaks of the range on the other side - the Owens Valley.  Mt. Whitney trail is visible traversing down below.

 Magic moment near Trail Camp - Alpenglow at sunrise.

The great wall of Mt. Whitney?  That’s what I called it when I saw this.  The peak in the center is Mt. Muir (14,018’).  At Trail Camp - 12,000'.

Be ready for 98 switchback!

The infamous switchbacks of Mt. Whitney trail.  Do you know how many switchbacks you have to clear between Trail Camp to Trail Crest with the elevation gain of 1,777’ in 2.2miles? 98 switchbacks!  The high altitude trail section between Trail Camp – Trail Crest is, perhaps, the most difficult part of the climb for many hikers. It's a point of no ascent where some hikers may start to feel “altitude sickness” due to the high elevation above 12,000’ and trekking up 98 switchbacks to above 13,000’.  The key is to pace yourself, no rush. Stay hydrated.  Enjoy the vistas as you hike up those 98 killers.  Take a break and sip water as you need.   Also, a little snack to keep your energy going helps prevent altitude sickness.   The best way to avoid altitude sickness is acclimatization.  If you feel a little headache or lightheaded, then, stop and rest.  If it doesn't help, you must descend right away for your own life's sake.

At the beginning of the 98 switchbacks, looking down toward Trail Camp…..a tarn (L) and Consultation Lake (R).  The valley down below is still covered by low clouds.  By the way, Trail Camp is the last place where you can refill your water.

The Cables are installed for safety on this steep icy face of the trail.  It only takes one slip to sheer cliff.

View of Mt. Muir (14.012’) and Mt. Whitney (14,505’) en route to Trail Crest.

Trail is well-maintained over all, but very rocky.

Entering the John Muir Trail.  The Whitney trail junctions with the John Muir trail at Trail Crest and continues on to the summit.  The trail runs along the west side of the Whitney range from this point on.  Sequoia National Park is visible in the distance.

View southeast of the summit with Pinnacle Ridge crossing forefront.  Peaks in frame are Wotans Throne-12,746’, Mt. Marsh-13,510’, Mt. McAdie-13,799’, Mt. Mallory-13,850’, Mt. Irvine-13,770’, Mt. Le Conte-13.930’ and Mt. Langley-14,026'.  Also, Olancha Peak – 12,123’ is visible in distance.

The official USGS brass benchmark disk on the summit stamped as 14,494'. (Estimated using the older vertical datum (NVGD29) from 1929.)  By the new vertical datum established in 1988 (NAVD88) the summit elevation is now estimated to be at 14,505 feet - Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States.

View west of the John Muir Trail - Sequoia National Park.  Hitchcock Mountain, Hitchcock Lakes and Guitar Lake.   The Sierra Crest in skyline – it's the Great Western Divide!

 

View east of Mt. Whitney summit.  Iceberg Lake seen in front. Mountain peaks in frame are: 

Mt. Russell Ridge Line
Lone Pine
Thor Peak, 12,300’
Lone Pine Peak, 12,944’
Mt Irvine, 13,770’
Mt. Mallory, 13,850’
Mt. Langley, 14,026’
Mt. Le Conte, 13.930’
Olancha Peak, 12,123’
Wotans Throne, 12,746’
Pinnacle Ridge

View north – west – south of Mt. Whitney summit.  The summit plaque on the front rock and the summit shelter in center.  Sequoia National Park and The Sierra Crest in skyline.  Hitchcock Mt. and Hitchcock Lake are partially visible to the left.

South view of Mt. Whitney summit.  Hitchcock Mountain and Hitchcock Lake in foreground.  The Sierra Crest (the Great Western Divide) lies between Mt. Whitney and Sequoia National Park.

Time flies!....it's time to descend.  I spent about an hour at the summit and it was around 1:30pm when I began descending.

 Rocky trail continues surrounded by granite landscape.  This is Alpine zone.

Lone Pine Creek runs into Trailside Meadow at 11,400’.  If you want to pick a place to rest on the way, this place must be it.  It is so pretty and peaceful.  You can refill water, too.  A sign of life (vegetation) begins here at the end of Alpine zone, entering Sub-alpine zone.  Rest those tired joints and muscles here while enjoying this lush scenery along the trail.

Thor Peak (12,300’) towers over Mirror Lake at 10,640’.  No camping allowed here.  A few hundred feet below Mirror Lake is Outpost Camp, where my base camp is.

 A lone pine (foxtail pine) and Thor Peak-12,300’.

A beautiful lush meadow opens up down at Outpost Camp.  I do remember hearing the sound of a waterfall and creeks as I slept.

Approaching the meadow where I set up my camp last night.  Outpost Camp, 10.400'.

After Outpost Camp, there are many creek crossings along the trail.  You notice vegetation becomes more dense - it’s Montane zone.  The trail goes through the montane chaparral community – drought resistant evergreen shrubs such as mountain mahogany, bush chinquapin, etc. are among them.  White firs and Jeffery pines join the forest community along the trail from Lone Pine Lake (9,850’) to the trailhead – Whitney Portal (8,360’).   The end of the journey!

Mt. Whitney casts its sunset shadow over the meadow by Outpost Camp and Lone Pine Peak.

 Lone pine and Lone Pine Peak (12,944’) near sunset.

Alpenglow en route to Mt. Whitney Trail Camp

9-15-2010

"Grandma Whitney" 
Click to read more about this AMAZING grandma!