Castle/Pinnacle, Standard/East Ridge

Activity Notes

Tag two Tatoosh Peaks in Mt Rainier National Park in one weekend!  This is a great climb for new BCEP grads wanting to test their skills in an alpine environment.  You can expect to climb 5th class rock, traverse fixed lines, and rappel various terrain.  

The Castle is situated in the Tatoosh Range in Mt Rainier National Park. It is a good peak to learn or practice fifth-class climbing in a mountain environment and provides amazing views of Mt. Rainier, Mt Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. The summit is composed of two roughly parallel ridges and can be reached by 2 miles of trail and a short scramble. The true summit is the northernmost ridge and can be climbed via any of the numerous cracks and chimneys on the Southeast side. A great afternoon climb.

Pinnacle peak is the signature peak of the Tatoosh range, a small range just to the South of Mount Rainier, and almost entirely in the park. It is composed of old lava flows, so the rock goes from almost solid to pretty awful, choose your routes accordingly. The easiest route is 4th class, and it is a fine option for those wanting something more exciting than a dayhike. The summit views North into the heart of Mt. Rainier, and south to the the Cowlitz watershed and Mt. Adams are sublime.