MOUNT RAINIER | Ice Climbing the Kautz and Descending the Disappointment Cleaver

We returned to Mount Rainier for a second time on the more challenging Kautz Route. This route ascends from paradise on the southern side to Ice Climb the Kautz Ice Chutes, which were rated WI-2 as of late June, 2023. It was our first experience with glacier travel as a party of two, and it definitely it was a bit nerve-wracking. On the final 700 feet on the upper Nisqually we got hit hard by altitude and fatigue, but pushed on to the summit. Between the rough night before and the extra pack weight, this experience was 100% type II fun.

0:00 Intro + Route Overview
0:43 Nisqually Glacier Crossing
2:56 Camp Hazard
6:09 Kautz Ice Chutes
8:14 Upper Nisqually
9:30 Summit
10:57 DC Route Down

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