Mount Rainier Blog

As America marks its 250th anniversary, the America250 initiative calls us to reflect on the full story of our nation, not just its landmarks, but the remarkable people who gave them meaning. At Mount Rainier Guest Services, a proud member of the Adventures Unbound family, we are honoring Women’s History Month by celebrating the trailblazing women whose courage and determination are woven into the very fabric of this mountain.

Breaking Ground at Every Elevation

Mount Rainier’s history is inseparable from the women who dared to push its boundaries. Fay Fuller made history as the first known woman to summit Mount Rainier, and she didn’t stop there, she became a fierce advocate for women in mountaineering and helped found two organizations, the Washington Alpine Club and the Mazamas, both of which endure to this day. Her legacy lives on in the landscape, with Fay Peak near Mowich Lake named in her honor.

On the trails below the summit, Alma Wagen was quietly making her own mark. Hired as a guide for the Rainier National Park Company, she became the first female mountain guide in North America, a milestone that reflects both her expertise and her pioneering spirit.

And the tradition of women rising to the challenge of Rainier continues in the modern era. In July 2023, 78-year-old Ashford, Washington resident Rose Vanderhoof summited Mount Rainier’s 14,410 foot peak, breaking a 21 year old record to become the oldest woman ever to reach the top. She made the climb on her ninth and final ascent, surrounded by her son, granddaughter, and friends, a testament to a lifetime of passion for the outdoors and an inspiration to generations of hikers to come. Read the full story of her record breaking climb on The Mountaineers blog.

Walk the Paths They Forged

This Women’s History Month, we invite you to experience the mountain these women helped define. Whether you’re lacing up for your first trail walk or dreaming of your own summit attempt, you’re following in the footsteps of extraordinary pioneers. To learn more about how we’re celebrating the diverse stories behind America’s national heritage, visit America250 at Adventures Unbound and explore further at the National Park Service.