Rainier in mid-July?

Hi all,

I've got an old ski buddy coming in from Hawaii for a visit in mid-July.  With Cloud Cap road being blocked down here in Oregon for fire re-construction (or something), I thought a visit to Rainier might be in order for some July turns.  We've never been to the mountain, so any suggestions on a decent spot that late in the year would be great.  Not looking to summit, but just enjoy the mountain and some good riding (if possible). Probably be up for spending one or two nights on the mountain (somewhere at a nice camp where we can climb and ski).  I've thought of the Flett or Russel?  Not particularly keen on hitting the Muir that time of year. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Matt

above Spray Park should be ok, but it's better a bit earlier, as the snow really gets patchy in Spray Park. I don't thing they're opening the road to Mowich before July 4 this year though. Excellent camping up there.

Frying Pan and Whitman maybe.
See recent TR.

A crazy idea - maybe check July reports from past seasons to see what folks seemed happy with back then - might add a few additional notions to the list?

A crazy idea - maybe check July reports from past seasons to see what folks seemed happy with back then - might add a few additional notions to the list?

I had planned on doing this - just wanted to hear from others their opinions since snow conditions vary from year to year......

From what I have seen in a couple trips, the state of snowmelt around Rainier is about an "average" year, or maybe a week or two accelerated.

Either Spray/Flett/Russell or Summerland/Frypan/Whitman are fine suggestions based on that, and your mid July date. Another possible idea is Van Trump (either the Comet Falls approach, or going across from Paradise if you are willing to mess with the glaciers). Mt Ruth/Inter would be on their tail ends, still doable, but the camping options aren't as appealing.