Unicorn/Castle/Pinnacle East Ridge (Spring 2025)

Activity Notes

Unicorn, Castle and Pinnacle are great adventures with stunning views of Mt. Rainier that are perfect for recent BCEP graduates.  There is steep snow travel, 5th class rock climbing, fixed line travel, and rappel.  For the climb, make sure you are proficient at putting on crampons, tying a figure 8 knot, tying an alpine butterfly, tying a prussik hitch, and setting up for rappel.  Try/review all these things at home before the climb.  Be prepared for the pace to be steady and moderate, and we will ideally reach each summit in ~3 hours. 

For Unicorn Peak, we will meet at the Snow Lakes Trailhead.  The climb is about 6 miles round trip with 2400 feet of elevation gain.  We may use a fixed line at "the moat" prior to reaching the summit.  At the summit block, there is a single pitch of belayed 5th class climbing and a rappel off the summit. 

For Castle and the East Ridge of Pinnacle Peak, we will meet at the Reflection Lake Trailhead.  The climb is about 5 miles round trip and 2500 feet of elevation gain.  Castle is a single pitch of 5th class rock climbing and a rappel off the summit.  We will then traverse over to Pinnacle for two pitches of belayed 5th class rock climbing and a rappel off the summit. 

We have two sites reserved at Alder Lake Campground (in Eatonville) Friday night and Saturday night.  If you choose to camp, we will divide up the cost of the sites.  Entry into Mt Rainier National park requires an America the Beautiful pass or a standard entry pass.