Eagle-Chutla Peaks, Longmire Trail

Activity Notes

Located in the Tatoosh range in the southern end of Mt. Rainier Nat. Park, this 2 peak link-up offers a classic alpine scramble. The round trip hike of about 7 miles starts at Longmire on a well maintained trail rising through beautiful ancient forest, and tops out on a saddle between the two peaks. Along with a park entrance fee, all of the Tatoosh peaks offer spectacular views of Mt. Rainier - on clear days. This is good beginner trip and fairly close to home. Be prepared for a an exposed scramble on Eagle, and 3rd class tree climbing on the "Hobbit trail" of the Chutla Ridge. "Tatoosh" means 'nourishing breast " in the local Native American language.

From Longmire cross the Nisqually River bridge (east side of the village). Take the trail 3.5 miles to just above the Eagle-Chutla saddle (5720 ft). Follow the ridge north. At 100 ft before the summit of Eagle, there is a short face (class 4) or a bypass gulley to the left. Descend back to the saddle for an easy rock scramble up Chutla. Depending on party ability and preferences,  we can set up a fixed line on any exposed sections.

Descend Chutla  and return via hiking trail to road. 1.5 hours. Back to cars by 5 PM.

Located in the Tatoosh range in the southern end of Mt. Rainier Nat. Park, this 2 peak link-up offers a classic alpine scramble. The round trip hike of about 7 miles starts at Longmire on a well maintained trail rising through beautiful ancient forest, and tops out on a saddle between the two peaks. Along with a park entrance fee, all of the Tatoosh peaks offer spectacular views of Mt. Rainier - on clear days. This is good beginner trip and fairly close to home. Be prepared for a an exposed scramble on Eagle, and 3rd class tree climbing on the "Hobbit trail" of the Chutla Ridge. "Tatoosh" means 'nourishing breast " in the local Native American language.

From Longmire cross the Nisqually River bridge (east side of the village). Take the trail 3.5 miles to just above the Eagle-Chutla saddle (5720 ft). Follow the ridge north. At 100 ft before the summit of Eagle, there is a short face (class 4) or a bypass gulley to the left. Descend back to the saddle for an easy rock scramble up Chutla. Depending on party ability and preferences,  we can set up a fixed line on any exposed sections.

Descend Chutla  and return via hiking trail to road. 1.5 hours. Back to cars by 5 PM.

Camping:

Cougar Rock is the nearest campground in the park. In October it is a first come basis - no reservations. Another alternative is one of the forest roads north or south of Ashford where you can camp anywhere.

Gear:

Ten essentials

Warm clothing and rain gear

Helmet

Usual car camp gear

hiking boots or shoes

trekking poles