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) 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 2025 Climb for a Cause program; you raised over $67,000 for Washington’s three largest national parks!
Each year, individuals commit to a fundraising climb of Mount Rainier (Tahoma). The funds they raise over and above the cost of the climb will be allocated to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks’ top priorities, such as search and rescue training and equipment.
Through partnerships with world-class local mountain guide services Alpine Ascents International and International Mountain Guides, these three-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 by reaching out to Kristen (kristen@wnpf.org).
Jun 3 - Jun 5
Mount Rainier National Park
This special fundraising climb of Mount Rainier (Tahoma) guided by Alpine Ascents is not only a once in a lifetime adventure but a meaningful endeavor to make a lasting impact on Washington’s national parks! Learn about Climb for a Cause here!
Jun 7 - Jun 10
This special fundraising climb of Mount Rainier (Tahoma) guided by International Mountain Guides is not only a once in a lifetime adventure but a meaningful endeavor to make a lasting impact on Washington’s national parks! Learn about Climb for a Cause here.
Training for and climbing Mount Rainier was life-changing, especially having the chance to do it while promoting and fundraising for such a good cause – projects that keep Washington’s national parks preserved and accessible to all. My two favorite adventures up the mountain were with IMG. I got the privilege of climbing with Mike and Forrest, lead guides that embody the steady leadership only years of experience can provide. Their confidence and encouragement inspired two energetic guide teams that supported climbers in our group and beyond as we made bids for the magnificent summit. Of all the guide companies, I fully endorse IMG to be the most inclusive and supportive, recognizing strength and summits are possible for all who have the grit, regardless of gender.
– Kathryn M., 2025 Climb for a Cause Participant
For individuals: If you’re interested in joining the 2026 Climb for a Cause season, reach out to Kristen Oliphant (kristen@wnpf.org).
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 support critical park projects like search and rescue programs, equipment, and training in Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.
Give a gift that supports the climbers’ fundraising efforts today!
The IMG guides were fantastic; they were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and super fun. Overall, it was such a great experience, and the perfect capstone to celebrate the awesome places we were fundraising for.
– Mackenzie B., 2025 Climb for a Cause Participant
Cover photo: climber on Mount Rainier by Kristen Oliphant, and footer image (below): Mount Rainier by Kristen Oliphant