Mother Mountain is a series of peaks in Mt. Rainier National Park that stretches from Mowich Lake to the Carbon River.   Third Mother Mountain is the peak located at the far NE end of the ridge.    The climb is typically done via the abandoned Carbon River Road, although strong parties have done the peak from Mowich Lake via Second Mother Mountain. Much of the route is off trail requiring good route finding skills. The final rock section to the summit is considered a moderate scramble. 

Activity Notes

Third Mother Mountain is a challenging scrambling peak located near the Carbon River in the NW corner of Mt Rainier National Park.  The Carbon River entrance is currently closed due to a road washout, so we will do this climb cross-country from Mowich Lake.  I have attempted this climb once, but the upper portion will be exploratory.  Expect some adventurous confusion.  The climb is 3rd class and climbers should have scrambling / steep snow experience.  This is NOT a good first climb for someone straight out of BCEP.    MRNP limits back country overnight groups to a maximum of 5 people.

Itinerary:

Mon July 6 evening:  meet at Mowich Lake trail head- use the primitive campground or sleep in your car.  

Tues July 7: hike to the base of Second Mother Mountain (if we get there early enough we will drop our overnight packs and attempt Third Mother)

Wed July 8: climb Third Mother, hike out and drive home arriving in late evening

Round trip: ~10 miles and 4300' elevation gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 190 miles
Driving Time from Portland 4 hours
Relevant Books 100 Peaks at Mt. Rainier Cascade Alpine Guide vol.1, by Fred Beckey
Relevant Maps USGS: Mowich Lake
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