| Pyramid Peak Mountain/Rock |
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| Pyramid Peak   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Washington, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 46.80700°N / 121.811°W Elevation: 6937 ft / 2114 m | Page By: mandrake Created/Edited: Jun 1, 2005 / Feb 14, 2006 Object ID: 154154 Hits: 2771 Loading... Page Score: 88.45% - 14 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview
Pyramid is a prominent satellite peak on the south side of Mt. Rainier - located at the base of the Success Cleaver. Pyramid has 360-degree views off of the summit: great close-up views of Mt. Rainier, and overlooks the Tahoma Creek drainage, the Mirror Lakes, Iron & Copper Mountain, Pyramid Park, and the Kautz Creek drainage. On approaching Pyramid from the south it is obvious how the peak arrived at its name.
Pyramid makes for a fun easy scramble hike/climb (class 2-3). It can be accomplished car-to-car in one day -- either from the end of the Westside Road (easiest) or from the Kautz Creek Trailhead (longer and more elevation gain). Pyramid is likely climbed somewhat frequently (saw several other groups the same day in late fall 2004), although it would probably be a more popular destination if it had closer road access.
Getting ThereThe best approach to Pyramid is from the southwestern corner of Mt. Rainier National Park -- can approach via the Nisqually Entrance. If the Westside Road is open and the bridges are in, the best approach is to follow it to its end near Dry Creek (~3.5mi) and hike in via the "unmaintained" Tahoma Creek trail. Other longer options would include approaching from the Kautz Creek trailhead (~3mi east from the Nisqually Entrance) or via the Wonderland Trail from Longmire. See the Mirror Lakes route description for full info on these approaches.
Red TapeA fee must be paid on entering Mt. Rainier National Park.
When To ClimbPyramid Peak can likely be climbed all year round - although it's probably best done in late-spring, summer, and fall. The alpine colors are outstanding in the late season. Winter may require a longer approach (the Westside Road is often closed in the winter) - although snow may make the final push to the summit somewhat easier. There may be some avalanche danger on Pyramid in the early season.
It's probably a good idea in winter/spring/early summer to check the Mt. Rainier trail conditions to ensure the bridges are in before attempting Pyramid by either route. The Westside Road approach has two bridges across Tahoma Creek; the Kautz Creek has one bridge a mile in from the trailhead.
CampingCamping is permitted within Mt. Rainier National Park. The closest car-campground is at Sunshine Point just inside the Nisqually Entrance. A backcountry permit (available at the Wilderness Information Center in Longmire) is required for camping up at/near the Mirror Lakes.
Mountain ConditionsMt. Rainier Trail Conditions
This site details the current reported trail conditions for the Mt. Rainier area as well as information about the current status of the Westside Road.
Paradise WebCam
Mt. Rainier Paradise webcam. On a good day this can give you a good idea of snow conditions at Paradise -- located across the valley at a similar elevation to Pyramid Peak.
Mt. Rainier Recreational Forecast
Other Nearby Points of InterestJust to the east of the Mirror Lakes lie two other smaller peaks: Copper Mountain (6280') and Iron Mountain (6283'); Copper being the more northern of the two. Per Beckey, both are walk-up peaks and can be climbed north or south from their shared saddle. Another nearby smaller walk-up peak is Mt. Ararat (6010') which can be climbed from the Kautz Creek Trail.
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