Tatoosh Range, Extended Tatoosh Traverse

Activity Notes

The Tatoosh Range is located on the southern boundary of Mt. Rainier National Park. The 11 officially named peaks in the range (from east to west) are Stevens Peak (6510'), Boundary Peak (6720'), Unicorn (6917'), The Castle (+6440'), Pinnacle Peak (6562'), Plummer Peak (6370'), Denman Peak (6006'), Lane Peak (6012'), Wahpenayo Peak (6231'), Chutla Peak (+6000') and Eagle Peak (5958'). A twelfth peak, Foss (6524’), lies between Unicorn and the Castle.

The lower slopes are treed and brushy but there are three trails that make approaches to the alpine areas relatively easy. On the west end a trail leads from Longmire (c.2800') to the Eagle-Chutla Saddle (+5720') in 3.6 miles. The Pinnacle Peak Trail begins at Reflection Lake (c.4900') to reach the saddle (c.6000') between Plummer and Pinnacle Peaks in 1.3 miles. The Snow Lake Trail leads from the trailhead on Stevens Canyon Road (4500') to Snow Lake (c.4700') in 1.1 miles. Beyond this there is a climber’s path that leads to the talus basin NW of Unicorn Peak. 

We will travel as two independent groups, each with its own leader and assistant. The leaders will determine the composition of the two groups. One group will move from east to west and the other will move from west to east. Each leader will decide which of the twelve peaks listed that group will attempt, depending on member strength, experience, and interest as well as on weather, terrain, and possibly other factors.

Team members must be in excellent condition, comfortable with snow travel and on low 5th class rock, knowledgeable of the intended route, have good route finding skills, and be able to pack light and travel at a moderate to fast pace. 

Carpooling is encouraged, as is driving up the night before the climb and camping or staying in a hotel nearby.