If you’ve dreamed of climbing Washington’s most incredible, iconic peaks but don’t know where to start, Climb for a Cause is a fundraising program for you. Through Climb for a Cause, you’ll climb Mount Rainier (Tahoma), Mount Olympus, or Mount Baker (Kulshan) while giving back to a place that’s special to you.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to all of the climbers who were a part of our 2023 Climb for a Cause program; you raised over $118,000 for Washington’s national parks!
Each year, individuals commit to a fundraising climb of Mount Rainier (Tahoma) or Mount Olympus. The funds they raise over and above the cost of the climb support search and rescue efforts in Washington’s national parks.
Through partnerships with world-class local mountain guide services Alpine Ascents International and International Mountain Guides, these three- or four-day climbs can be life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to see Washington’s national parks from a vantage point very few park visitors ever will.
You can participate as an individual climber by joining an existing team — or you can ask your company to work with us to put together a climbing program. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft often participate in Climb for a Cause, and many will even match the funds you raise toward your climb.
Climbers and their colleagues, friends, and families contribute to Washington’s National Park Fund and climbers are able to realize their dreams to climb Washington’s iconic mountains.
When it comes to previous climbing experience, don’t let that be a deterrent: we’ve seen everyone from first-time climbers to people who’ve tackled 14ers successfully summit. The key is to train, train, train — and to start preparing early.
Our qualified partner guide companies, Alpine Ascents International (AAI) and International Mountain Guides (IMG), have tons of great resources available on their websites to help you figure out if you’re able to complete a climb, what the itinerary will look like, the types of gear and equipment you’ll need, where you’ll camp during the climb, and more.
We think our climbs are a pretty amazing opportunity — after all, how many people do you know who have camped out on a glacier? — but don’t take our word for it.
Check out Lauren Fischer’s take on her time on Mount Olympus. You can read a firsthand account by Shannon Appleby, who summitted Mount Rainier as part of the Microsoft team guided by International Mountain Guides in July of 2016, or hear it directly in a video from her fellow climber (and future sister-in-law) Aubrey Hughes.
Get answers to questions about reserving your spot, fundraising for your climb, and more in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
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Climb Mount Rainier (Tahoma) with world-class local mountain guide service Alpine Ascents International and see Mount Rainier National Park from a vantage point very few park visitors ever will. This special fundraising climb is not only a once in a lifetime adventure but a meaningful endeavor to make a lasting impact on Washington's national parks. Funds climbers raise over and above the cost of the climb will support search and rescue efforts.
Mount Rainier National Park
Climb Mount Olympus with world-class local mountain guide service International Mountain Guides and see Olympic National Park from a vantage point very few park visitors ever will. This special fundraising climb is not only a once in a lifetime adventure but a meaningful endeavor to make a lasting impact on Washington's national parks. Funds climbers raise over and above the cost of the climb will support search and rescue efforts.
Olympic National Park
Climb Mount Rainier (Tahoma) with world-class local mountain guide service International Mountain Guides and see Mount Rainier National Park from a vantage point very few park visitors ever will. This special fundraising climb is not only a once in a lifetime adventure but a meaningful endeavor to make a lasting impact on Washington's national parks. Funds climbers raise over and above the cost of the climb will support search and rescue efforts.
For individuals: The climb fundraising commitments range from $2,200-$3,800 depending on the peak you climb. If you’re interested in signing up, reach out to Kristen Oliphant (kristen@wnpf.org) for details.
For organizations: Interested in starting your own team? We’d love to hear from you so we can work together on a climbing program that meets your company’s needs. Reach out to Kristen to get started.
Funds raised through Climb for a Cause are directed to search and rescue programs in Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. More than $100,000 is raised annually by community members and climbers from companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
Give a gift that supports the climbers’ fundraising efforts today!
I knew it was my chance. Not only would I have the opportunity to climb with amazing guides at International Mountain Guides, but I could climb Mount Rainier for a great cause – to raise awareness and money for Washington’s National Park Fund.
Cover photo: climbers on Mt. Shuksan by Kristen Oliphant, and footer image (below): Mt. Olympus by Nate Brown 📷