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Camp Muir is the preferred basecamp for hikers and climbers attempting to summit Mt. Rainier. It is named after John Muir, renowned naturalist and a member of the sixth group to summit the iconic Pacific Northwest peak. Located at 10,080 feet in elevation, Camp Muir is not a campground in any traditional sense. It is made up of an old stone shelter which is open to the public on a first-come basis, and another outbuilding used by professional guide companies. If the shelter is full, climbers pitch their tents on the rocky scree field. A wilderness and climbing permit are required to access this part of Mt. Rainier Park. Reservations for those permits open in March of each year.
The approach to Camp Muir should not be attempted by anyone without significant mountaineering or route finding skills. The National Park Service offers specific compass bearings to travel through the Muir Snowfield. These bearing should be used in tandem with an accurate topographic map. Because snowstorms and fog events can cause whiteout conditions during any month of the year, traversing the Muir Snowfield to reach the camp is one of the most dangerous sections of the trail. There have been multiple fatalities in groups that got off route in this treacherous glacial area.
Because any night spent at Camp Muir is often a part of a much larger mountaineering attempt, campers must be well-prepared for high alpine conditions. Above treeline means that winds are high and cold, and any tent or shelter should be four-season rated. There are stream crossings during the approach, and, while the water must be treated, Pebble Creek is a good source to fill up containers- there is no water at Camp Muir. Use the ‘blue bag’ system for solid human waste- there is a receptacle at the camp.
Don't be scared by the signs. If you're out of shape, don't attempt this hike, but if you're used to steep trails, don't worry about the alleged cliffs and crevasses--there are none. That's PAST the camp (beyond which you need a permit). Once you leave the Skyline Loop, you're pretty much climbing a steep but not-too-steep snowfield. Spikes are very helpful, but some people in my party didn't use them.
The toilets at Camp Muir--thankfully, they exist--smell worse than any outhouse I've encountered in 50 years. Wow.
Bring something for sliding down on your butt, snow permitting. When I visited in July, there were only a few places where this worked, but it was fun.
We heard and saw lots of avalanches, but they were way across a big gully. If the snowfield below Camp Muir had regular avalanches during hiking season, it wouldn't be open to tourists.
A place on the edge of civilization near the top of the world. Views & huge sense of accomplishment make the grueling hike worth it
Hiked last July… the entire hike is scenic 360 view. It’s beautiful to go in spring and early summer as you can see wild flowers and lot of snow on top of the mountains.
I hiked to Paradise before, to do this hike you past paradise which is awesome panorama views.
Highly recommended to bring micros pike, poles, cause the last two miles up is a snow field and incline fast ( slippery). Need sunscreen all over your body as snow reflection you definitely will get burn on the area that’s exposed.
Bring lot of water as they don’t have water up at Camp Muir. RMI does provide some water for ppl are signing up with their service.
Excellent views, bathroom was fairly tidy (loved the mechanics of the toilet). Sleeping quarters were warm and cozy. Ambience of place had a Star-Wars-like Cantina feel to it. Breakfast was provided by Chef Matt, the best mountain cook ever with support from Liv and Robbie, all from the infamous International Mountain Guides.
Good place to spend the night, given the circumstances. I stayed in the RMI hut (not the public hut), which is a little more sheltered than the public hut. Kept us out of blowing snow and howling winds. The bathrooms are quite unique and did their job. A pretty nice place for the wilderness.
