Castle, Pinnacle & Plummer Peaks, Standard Route

Activity Notes

PEAK and ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

The Tatoosh Range, located in the southern end of Mt. Rainier National Park, is made up of 11 named peaks. This 3 peak link-up is one of the most popular, if only because of the easy access from the trailhead. A popular Mazamas climb, this classic alpine scramble has a round trip hike of just 4 miles and 1,700 vertical feet, and thus can be done by most climbers of moderate fitness in a reasonable day. The Tatoosh peaks offer spectacular views of Mt. Rainier - given clear weather, naturally. This is good beginner trip and fairly close to home. Be prepared for a short rappel on Castle and possible a handline on Pinnacle, depending on your comfort level on exposed 3rd or easy 4th class rock. In early season, an ice axe can be useful. "Tatoosh" means 'nourishing breast " in the local native American language.

From Reflection lake parking area, take the trail opposite the lake towards Pinnacle peak. Head up to the trail's end at the Pinnacle-Plummer saddle. Traverse the south scree slope under Pinnacle east to Castle (loose rock with some exposure near Castle and angle up the S.E face. A rope will be used for belay on the last bit. Class 2-3, 3 hours from road.

 Descend Castle back to the south side. Traverse on long scree slope West to Pinnacle. Find an obvious gully on the west end of the south side. Ascend to ridge crest. Class 2. Two hours from Castle. Optionally (depending on Party desires, ability, and weather), we may instead do the east ridge of Pinnacle from the Castle-Pinnacle saddle. This is class 3-4, and is somewhat exposed. Ropes and harness needed for this route. 2 Hours from Castle.

Descend Pinnacle by gully and trail towards west. Leave trail at saddle between Plummer and Pinnacle and scramble heather slopes to summit of Plumber. Class 1-2, 1 hour from Pinnacle.

Descend Plummer and return via hiking trail to road. 1 hour. Back to cars around 4to 6 PM.

Depending on weather, there could be a little early season snow on this trip.  Be prepared to use ice axe, and trekking poles, if needed.

 PACK-IN DIRECTIONS and MEETING LOCATION:

We will meet at Reflection Lakes  parking area at 830AM Sunday Oct 3 (not 8AM !)

CAMPING:

If you want to camp the night before,  Ohanapecosh Campground, on the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park is the closest.  It is first come this time of year.   You can also camp in the national forest outside the park.

GEAR:

Standard car camp gear. 

Ten essentials

Warm clothing, Rain gear,  gloves, etc.

Helmet,  harness,  leash or long sling to clip in to anchor,  prussiks,  two locking biners.

Hiking shoes

Trekking poles

If there is snow,  ice axe - I will let you know.