Even in the days when Native Americans were the only inhabitants of the Northwest, magnificent Mount Rainier was an object of awe and reverence - the mountain that was God. This book is the first complete documentation of the significant events in the climbing history of Mount Rainier, updated through early 1979. It covers geology, glaciology and climate; the discovery and early climbs before 1900; the pioneering efforts on over 35 routes, winter and summer; notable summit climbs and mountain tragedies on the steep slopes, and the guides who have led summit-seekers over the years.