Cover: Ed Boulton hunkers down in a storm while climbing Mt. Rainier’s Willis Wall with Jim Wickwire, 1971. It was a harrowing experience. “I never climbed with Ed again, but I remember what he did to get me off Mt. Rainier,” Wickwire wrote in Addicted to Danger. “Ed Boulton saved my life.” Jim Wickwire

Features

Mountain Profile: Tahoma/Mt. Rainier

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have traveled to what has been known as Takhoma, Tahoma, təqʷubəʔ and many other names, drawn to the resources available among the mountain’s verdant valleys and slopes. It wasn’t until 1792 that Captain George Vancouver saw the peak from a distance and gave it a new name: Mt. Rainier. Soon after, the mountain began captivating a different kind of visitor, the recreational climber. Herein, David Gladish considers the history of the influential mountain and how it has shaped those drawn to it. Meanwhile, Holly Yu Tung Chen, Chris Weidner and Cal’ Smith share stories of their own.

BIBIRI

In 2008, two of the famous Giri-Giri Boys disappeared near the top of the Cassin Ridge after enchaining the Kahiltna Peaks. This past May, three members of a new generation of Japanese alpinists set out to follow in their footsteps. But their gear was stolen along the way. Toranosuke Nagayama tells the story.

The Edge of Entropy

Tom Livingstone and Aleš Česen set out to answer a question: What would it be like to climb a technically difficult route at nearly 8000 meters? Livingstone describes the delightful suffering they enjoyed on the west ridge of Gasherbrum III (7958m).

Departments

Sharp End

Derek Franz carefully navigates the Crack of Doom.

Letters

Our readers write.

Escape Route

Derek Franz and Katie Ives share reading recommendations. Franz interviews Nina Williams. Plus, Abbey Collins considers what “Porter Hangers” can tell us about the evolution of climbing in the Red River Gorge.

On Belay

After notching the first ascent of a Himalayan peak, Ven Popov examines the two inner beasts driving his motivation.

The Climbing Life

Leath Tonino celebrates the approach trail. Chris Noble contemplates the meaning of adventure.

Wired

Shara Zaia explores her complex identity as an Assyrian American and shares the origins of Cruxing in Color, a nonprofit she founded with Menesha Mannapperuma.

Local Hero

James Lucas observes Shannon Joslin’s commitment to preserving Yosemite’s history and environment.

Off Belay

Tami Knight illustrates best practices for pooping outside.