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This was before a road had been opened across Cascade Mountains north of Columbia River. The Naches Pass route was opened next year in 1853. While doubt has been raised as to whether these climbers of 1852 reached the summit, it is fair to interpret the testimony in a literal sense and assume that they climbed to the topmost elevation. Mount Rainier is difficult and laborious to climb, but the feat was within the prowess of the early pioneers, and they were not the kind of men to attempt the feat without making it successful and complete.

A celebration in honor of the Stevens ascent was held near Paradise Inn on the eve of the forty-eighth anniversary of the event, August 17, 1918. General Stevens was present and related the ascent made by Van Trump and himself in 1870. Other participants were William P. Bonney, secretary of the Washington State Historical Society, Edmond S. Meany and O. B. Sperlin. Next day an anniversary ascent was led up the mountain by Mr. Sperlin.