Climbing Mount Rainier: The Essentials Guide

by Fred Beckey and Alex Van Steen

This guidebook, written for experienced mountain climbers, offers detailed information on nearly fifty routes to the summit of Washington state's Mount Rainier, a training ground for Everest climbers... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0966979508
• ISBN13: 9780966979503
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Alpenbooks
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.5" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 21 years and up

Customer Reviews

Beckey and Van Steen hit the nail on the head!

I've climbed Rainier 35 times via 18 routes and this book hits the nail on the head! For years I was happy enough that there were no guides exclusively for Mt. Rainier - I felt as if the Mountain were mine - but then I know that's a common feeling shared by many because of our love for the Mountain. I was skeptical when this guidebook was released - but, whoa! - its definately on track. The descriptions are clear and accurate, and the photos do a great job of sharing the "feel" of the routes. The overlays are exceptional, large enough to be really useful and readable. I took a look at desriptions of some of the more popular routes (I've climbed the Emmons Galcier, Kautz, Disappointment Cleaver, Gibraltar Ledges and Liberty Ridge routes several times each) and they are dead on accurate. It was great to see good descriptions of some of the more uncommon routes also like Kautz Cleaver, Kautz Headwall and Edmunds Headwall. Even with this "advertising," I don't think these routes will become "overcrowded" any time soon. The book, overall, left me with a very positive feeling, and I'm anxious to try more routes. The book is a welcome edition to my library, and an excellent resource for climbers who want to explore the Mountain!

The title says it all - Essential!

In the past 2 years I've summited Cotopaxi and Aconcagua with Alex and have come to respect and trust his mountaineering judgment and attention to detail. That care is reflected in this book. There is generous use of maps and photgraphs that bring the route descriptions alive. It's almost as if you are "right there" on the mountain. Using red tracings for the routes on top of the photographs really highlights the routes. I especially liked the little tidbits from other climbers and extra "safety tips" about what to watch out for on certain routes. It goes well beyond the standard guide book. I have several guide books that include Rainier, but this is far and away the most complete. It is a welcome and valued addition to my library.

Well organized with lots of essentials on routes and regs

The book came out the week I climbed Mount Rainier. I picked up a copy and was very impressed with Alex's knowledge and style. Ended up climbing Mount McKinley with Alex and reached the summit with no problems. How's that for confidence in your authors? Most folks get stumped on a mountain due to poor preparation and planning. Read this book and your chances of summiting Rainier improve dramatically. The numerous photos are excellent for getting the feel of the climb as well as the route. A must have book for climbers and residents of the area as you gain an appreciation for what this grand mountain is like up close.