West Ridge : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

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 to cross 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, just past the bridge. Alternately you can park at the Wilderness Information Center and hike in.

Route Description

Follow the well-maintained Eagle Peak trail upwards from Longmire (~2800'). Approximately a half-mile before the Eagle-Chutla saddle (~3mi from the trailhead), the trail opens into a large meadow area and abruptly switchbacks to the 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 climber's right, turning southeast and reaches a rockfield below the cliffs of Chutla Peak. Continue straight across (may be a cairn or two through here) to pick up the trail again on the far side. The trail continues on faint rising traverse across a second meadow and up through the trees to the Chutla-Wahpenayo saddle at about 5600'. You are now on Wahpenayo's western ridge.

Continue following the way trail eastwards. The trail ascends a short steep eroded section and then pushes through a stand of trees 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 ascending some unnecessary high points along the ridge (you're fine if you do). It may also be possible to ascend a gully north of the ridge - although there may be a greater danger of rockfall here. When in doubt head up to regain the top of the ridge and you'll pick up the user trail.

The route winds its way tot he top of two easy "false summits" (elevation loss between them is minimal). Drop back down the backside of the first and traverse to reach a short steep scrambly step (class 3-4). Make your way to the second false summit and descent a short distance again through some great gnarled alpine trees and bear right for a final scramble up to the true summit (6231' elevation). Wahpenayo offers a great 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape and Mt. Rainier.

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

Essential Gear

Ice axe, crampons and possibly a rope in the early season if there's snow.