The Steam-Heated Ice Caves of Mount Rainier

During my first ascent of Mount Rainier, I remained upon the summit between two and three hours. In preparing for the ascent the following year, I suggested preparations looking to spending a night in the crater. We reached the summit about 11 o'clock in the forenoon. By 4 o'clock, the wind was blowing at a very high velocity. Inside the crater, we were quite comfortable, its walls protecting us from the fierce wind that was sweeping over the top of the mountain, and the warm rocks and escaping steam affording us ready means to warm ourselves. Two of the party explored some of the immense ice caves that are formed by the steam that escapes from the crater. Retiring hour upon the summit of Mount Rainier has been irrevocably fixed at not later than 5 o'clock p.m. Two of the party took the precaution to ask for an assignment of rooms early, and thereby secured first choice of a cozy nook down deep in the ice, about 4x8. This room had been carved out of the solid ice by the friendly steam, and the warmth of the earth below made it a very comfortable berth. Four of the party occupied one large room, where we had to make our own bed. Upon removing the earth, we were delighted to find it growing slightly warm. I might note that the earth at the surface, near the north point of the rim, is of a uniform temperature of at least 110 degrees the year round. During the night, I felt quite solicitous about the seventh man. He had taken the precaution to place part of his blanket against the rock so the direct effect of the steam was not felt. During the night, I would occasionally shout through the speaking tube, 'How is No. 7?' The reply would invariably come back, 'Fine, fine!' Morning dawned. We arose from our beds rested and refreshed. All soreness of body and limb caused by our hard climbing of the two previous days had left us.