Any route that starts and ends from White River Campground and reaches the high point of Steamboat Prow is acceptable for this FKT. It is popular in late spring with climbers and skiers, with stunning views over the northeast side of Mount Rainier. The route starts by hiking up the Glacier Basin trail to Glacier Basin Camp. Parts of the trail may be covered in snow. From Glacier Basin Camp, you can usually ascend an established bootpack to Steamboat Prow. Alternately, you can climb the ridge on climber's left to Mount Ruth and traverse across and up along the ridgeline to the prow. Descend by glissading or skiing back to Glacier Basin Camp then hike out. Depending on the exact route taken expect around 5500' elevation gain and 12 miles roundtrip. No real scrambling is necessary on this route but you must be prepared for snow travel; most parties use ice axes and perhaps crampons depending on conditions.
