Mt. Rainier — The Finger via Nisqually

The Finger is the steep ski connector that drops from the Mt. Rainier summit basin between the upper Nisqually and the Wilson Glacier — five thousand feet of vertical from crater rim through complex glacier terrain. The standard execution climbs Ingraham Direct from Paradise overnight, summits, then descends the Finger on the way back to the Wilson and lower Nisqually for the return to Paradise.

The line is technical and committing. Crevasse navigation defines the entrance — one bridged crossing typically requires a careful end-run, and the final exposed pitch leaves overhead hazard from hanging serac. Skiing conditions vary from corn at lower elevations to firmer windboard or refrozen surfaces above. Bridge stability through May into June is the typical concern; later season opens the line beyond reasonable.

This is summit-day terrain that requires the full ski mountaineering kit. Climbing permit and wilderness permit required from Mt. Rainier National Park. Plan around stable weather windows tightly — the upper mountain weather changes fast, and being committed to the Finger descent in poor visibility is dangerous.