A Thrilling Hike In Mount Rainier National Park Offers Views Worthy Of The Dangerous Trek

What makes a hike worth the effort? Is it the feeling of accomplishment when you reach the summit? Of course, but there is more to it than that. For many, the worth of a hike is in the views it presents. It doesn't matter how potentially dangerous the trek might be. If the views are stellar, it's worth it. And while there are many dangerous hikes with amazing views in the US, the Camp Muir Trail in Mount Rainier National Park may take the cake as one of the most strenuous, yet thrilling mountainside adventures.

Standing at 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State. Its snow-capped peak is a challenge for an average of 10,000 hikers per year, and was summited in 1888 by famous naturalist, John Muir, for whom Camp Muir is named. While not everyone makes it to the top of Mount Rainier, they can still traverse over 260 miles of trails throughout the National Park.

4.5 of those miles are taken up by the trek up to Camp Muir. Beginning at the Skyline Trail in Paradise and climbing over 4,000 feet up to Camp Muir, hikers can expect to find fog, snow, ice, and the potential for severe weather on this thrilling trek. Please note, this is not a trail for beginners. This is a difficult hike that requires experience, good physical condition, and plenty of preparation to tackle properly.

While a nine-mile round-trip hike is not difficult in and of itself, add nearly 4,700 feet of constant elevation gain over tricky terrain and you have yourself the makings of a challenging trail. Getting to Camp Muir is basically an uphill trek with almost no reprieve. The camp itself is over 10,000 feet above sea level. Any trek up to that altitude could very easily cause altitude sickness, even for experienced hikers. Cardio exercises are very important for hikers looking to do this trail.

Weather conditions can be dangerous as well, especially along the 2.2 mile, uphill snowfield. Filled with potentially deadly crevices, the snowfield is tricky to navigate on a good day. This section requires crampons or snowshoes for proper traction, as well as trekking poles or an ice ax. Trail conditions can go from clear to whiteout blizzard quickly, which is why it's incredibly important to carry the right gear.

Anyone planning to hike to Camp Muir needs to bring with them what are known as the 10 essentials. These include: map or navigation device, sun protection, clothing layers, head lamps or flashlights, first-aid, fire starting materials, repair kits, hydration, food, and an emergency shelter. It's vital to have these, especially if hiking alone. In an emergency, you will be prepared to keep yourself alive with the basics until help arrives.

Camp Muir is the perfect intermediary between hiking and rock climbing. It's as high as the average hiker can go on Mount Rainier without requiring a climbing permit or guide. While it may not be the summit of the mountain, there are plenty of thrills to experience on this hike that make it worth the potential risks. The first is the otherworldly mist that you can find at the start of the Skyline Trail in Paradise. You will have to start early in the day to see the fog hanging over the tree line before you ascend beyond the clouds.

While it isn't the most direct route to Camp Muir, it's worthwhile to take the extra distance and make it to Panorama Point. Not only is this the last section where you can fill up on water and rest, but the views across the Cascade Range from this point are second only to those you will see when you reach Camp Muir.

Once you've braved the seemingly never-ending snow field, it's a quick scramble up to Camp Muir. Look out and see unobstructed views of Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, Little Tahoma, Gibraltar Rock, and the Cowlitz Glacier. With the sky stretching out endlessly before you, and the knowledge that you just conquered one of the most difficult trails around, you will believe the views are more than enough of a reward for your efforts.