Under Rainier’s crater, a natural laboratory like no other

[RangerX]

Below the ice cap at Mount Rainier’s summit lies a network of otherworldly grottoes explored this summer by scientists and cavers.

Bill Lokey planted his ice ax in the crumbly slope and scanned the cavern with his headlamp.

Counting all the ups and downs, he had climbed more than 15,000 feet to get here — past yawning crevasses and over cliffs where a single misstep could send a rope team tumbling. His party was pummeled by a lightning storm so ferocious it stood one woman’s hair on end. Gale-force winds threatened to shred their tents.

But now, the grin on Lokey’s face said it had been worth it.

Full Story

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Thought the Dagobah based Rangers might enjoy this.

[rangerjd]

That was a great read, thanks for posting. I've had the opportunity to climb Mt Rainier twice, in 84 and 85, and I've heard of the Ice Caves. It is an Incredible mountain, I would love to scale it again and take a tour of the Ice Caves. Thanks again.