This adventure begins at the popular Paradise area in Mt. Rainier (Tahoma) National Park. We will quickly lose the crowds as we bear west and decend onto the massive Nisqually Glacier. After traversing the glacier and gaining a prominent ridge we will arrive at our first camp, The Castle. The following morning we will move camp higher to Camp Hazard (named after Hazard Stevens, who completed the first documented summit of the mountain in 1870). Here we will enjoy the stunning views looking south at Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and all the way into Oregon on a clear day where we can spot Mt. Hood and ocassionalty Mt. Jefferson. We will rise for an alpine start and enjoy fantastic ice climbing followed by glacier travel to the summit. This climb feels truly remote as it sees far less traffic than many of the other routes on the mountain. It is also a great opportunity to develope ice climbing skills as well as glacier travel skills. Climbing the Kautz is an adventure you won't soon forget!