From the Nisqually (southwest) entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park, follow the road ~7mi to Longmire. Turn right at the entrance near the Longmire Wilderness Information Center and drive through the housing area for the park employees, crossing a narrow one-lane suspension bridge over the Nisqually River. Locate the start of the Eagle Peak Trail on the left/east side of the road, a short distance past the bridge. Alternately you can park at the Wilderness Info Center and hike in.

Route Description

Follow the Eagle Peak trail upwards from Longmire (~2800') on a well-graded and well-maintained series of switchbacks. Approximately a half-mile before the Eagle-Chutla saddle (~3mi from the trailhead), the trail breaks from tree-cover at the foot of a large meadow area and abruptly switchbacks left (elevation ~5000'). At this point, continue straight ahead to locate a faint (somewhat overgrown) user trail that makes its way slowly upwards through trees and meadow. The trail eventually bears right, turning southeast and reaches a large rockfield below the cliffs of Chutla Peak. Continue straight on across (may be a cairn or two through here) to pick up the way trail again on the far side. From here the trail makes its way up to the Chutla-Wahpenayo saddle at about 5600'.

Continue following the way trail east up the western ridge of Wahpenayo. The trail ascends a short steep eroded section and then pushes through a stand of small trees, traversing along the northern side of the ridge. The trail gets a little confused here, but keep a bit lower on the left/north side of the ridge to avoid climbing some unnecessary high points along the ridge (you're fine if you do). You can also ascend the main gully just north of the ridge, although there may be a greater danger of rockfall here. Continue upwards to regain the ridgetop at an open area between the trees. Here pick up the user trail again which winds its way up to the top of the first of two easy "false summits" (elevation loss is minimal). Drop down the back side of the first and traverse a short distance to reach a short steep scrambly bit - about class 3-4. You may want a handline here if it's wet. Make your way up onto the second false summit, and descend a very short distance again through some great alpine trees and gnarled roots, and bear slightly right for a final short scramble to the summit (6231' elevation) with great 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and Mt. Rainier.

Wahpenayo Peak from Longmire: ~4.5mi one-way, ~3400' gain

Essential Gear

Ice axe and crampons in the early season if there's snow.