Eagle Peak Trail, Longmire - Eagle Peak Trailhead, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Eagle Peak Trail - 6.7 miles
Longmire - Eagle Peak Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 6.7 miles (scramble required to reach summit) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,815' - 5,735' (5,735' on saddle | 5,958' on summit) |
| Elevation Change: | +2,920' net elevation gain to saddle (+2,956' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Strenuous |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Eagle Peak Trail - 6.7 Miles Round-Trip
The Eagle Peak Trail climbs 2920' in 3.35 miles to a saddle, where a challenging Class III scramble continues approximately .15 miles to the summit (5,958'). This craggy peak on the NW side of the Tatoosh Range offers terrific views of Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, Nisqually River Valley, Mount Adams, Mount Hood and Mount St Helens.
Chutla Peak is also accessible from the saddle by a rough way-trail and Class II-III scramble. Only experienced climbers should attempt these peaks. Falls can be fatal.
Even if not aiming for the summits you'll enjoy big views, lighter crowds and an up-close look at this interesting mountain range:
The trail rises fast in a diverse lowland forest with some impressive old growth. A workman-like climb sweeps up the mountain on long switchbacks with few notable features until opening abruptly at the base of a steep hill (2.82 miles : 4,945').
It turns sharply up and levels momentarily back into trees, then steepens considerably on a rugged, twisting path through open slopes to the saddle and End of Maintained Trail sign (3.3 miles : 5,735').
A false summit on Eagle Peak stands directly above to the left, and a social / climbers path leads right for Chutla Peak. Use caution when exploring this area, which is narrow, uneven and exposed on both sides.
There is more than one route to the summit. A slightly longer but less technical Class III route heads up (left), then down (left) across an open slope to a gully. Scale the gully and tip-toe (right) across a short but exposed section. Turn back west (left) for the final scramble to Eagle Peak (3.5 miles : 5,958').
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N46 44.891 W121 48.475 — 0.0 miles : Eagle Peak Trailhead
- N46 44.842 W121 48.126 — .5 miles : Steady climb in low elevation forest
- N46 44.809 W121 47.840 — 1.0 miles : Steep, methodical switchbacks
- N46 44.789 W121 47.694 — 1.5 miles : Steep, methodical switchbacks
- N46 44.823 W121 47.372 — 2.0 miles : Cross small footbridge
- N46 44.953 W121 47.261 — 2.5 miles : Steady climb in mid elevation forest
- N46 45.011 W121 46.979 — 2.82 miles : Trail opens at base of steep slope
- N46 45.077 W121 47.014 — 3.0 miles : Steep push up slope
- N46 45.178 W121 46.829 — 3.2 miles : Very steep, rugged trail
- N46 45.253 W121 46 742 — 3.35 miles : End of Maintained Trail on saddle
Worth Noting
- The Eagle Peak Trail is one of three primary access points for climbers on the Tatoosh Traverse, a challenging route across 11+ peaks in the range. The Pinnacle Peak and Snow Lake trails also provide access.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Wilderness Permits are required year-round for overnight camping in the backcountry. Wilderness Camping Permits are free (*see notes for climbers below). There are no designated campsites on the Eagle Peak Trail.
- Permits and current trail conditions are available at all wilderness information centers, visitor centers and ranger stations (360.569.2211).
- Camp only in sites designated on your itinerary. Fires are not permitted anywhere in the backcountry.
- All trail-side camps have primitive toilets, marked sites, poles for hanging food and a nearby water source.
- Cross-Country Zone Camping: there are no maintained trails, campsites or amenities in cross-country zones. Camp at least 1/4 mile away from any road or established trail, and 100' from water sources. Cross-country camping is not permitted for those hiking the complete Wonderland Trail.
- Summer Party Size Limit (May 15th - September 30th): 5 people per individual site or cross-country zone designation. Families are an exception to this rule (parents + children).
- Winter Party Size Limit (October 1 - May 14th): 12 people per individual site or cross-country zone designation.
- Groups (defined as 6 - 12 people) are permitted in 25 designated sites throughout the park, and when camping on snow in Alpine Zones.
- Climbing Permits are required year-round for any day or overnight travel on glaciers or above 10,000', including Little Tahoma. The Climbing Permit also serves as the wilderness camping permit for overnight trips. Wilderness Camping Permits are free while a Climbing Permit requires the purchase of an annual Climbing Pass for each member of the party.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $25 entrance fee to Mount Rainier National Park (good for 7 days). Annual Passes are $50.
- Pets and Bikes are not permitted on hiking trails or climbing routes in Mount Rainier National Park.
- Fires are not permitted in the backcountry in Mount Rainier National Park.
Directions to Trailhead
The Eagle Peak Trailhead is located 6.6 miles from Nisqually Entrance Station in the Longmire district of Mount Rainier National Park. Drive 6.3 miles from the entrance station to the second right turn into Longmire. Keep straight past / through employee housing and cross the Nisqually Suspension Bridge (this is one lane – watch for oncoming traffic).
The trailhead is located just over the bridge on the left, and a small pullout parking space for 2-3 cars is on the right. You may park at the Community Building .17 miles ahead, and walk back to the TH.
Contact Information
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
360.569.2211
Paradise Visitor Center
360.569.6571
Paradise Climbing Information Center (CIC) | Guide House
360.569.6641
White River Wilderness Information Center
360.569.6670
Longmire Wilderness Information Center
360.569.6650
Carbon River Ranger Station
360.829.9639
General Information
360.569.6575
Lost and Found
360.569.6608
The Paradise - Jackson Visitor Center is open from May - early October. From mid-October - April, the visitor center is usually open on weekends and holidays (exact days may vary by weather and staff).
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