If you did not get out this weekend, what were you thinking? My nine year old and I decided to see what the Eagle Peak trail was all about. The weather was perfect and the air was about as clear as it can be in 2007. Mt. St. Helens had a nice SO2 plume and we could even see Mt. Hood off in the distance across the Columbia River. The day was amazing. It is fall. Although those alpine colors are not out just yet, the berries certainly are. This was my first hike in the National Park this year and while we encountered about half dozen very friendly people throughout the hike, there were no dogs or illegal camp locations! A nice change from the lawlessness that I have encountered in the Tatoosh and Goat Rocks this summer. The weather looks great this week so if you only have a day, the Eagle Peak Saddle is a good, half day hike for most people.

looking at an elevation gain of 3000 feet in 3.6 miles i figured this would be a nice workout hike, after all it was a national park trail. we could see a wonderful panoramic view of mt rainier from the trailhead, a taste of what was to come. off we went on a cool fall day. the first 3 miles were a gentle climb on wide trail. upon leaving the forest below the pass we encountered open sun splashed meadows. then reentering some trees for a brief time we emerged upon a stairway with small diameter rock for preventing trail erosion. so we literally climbed stairs up to a small series of short switchbacks to the saddle. this last segment up the stairs suprised me but it was doable. upon reaching the saddle there was mt rainier and the paradise vistors area spread out for all to see. moving a little to the east we found a shaded area with a makeshift bench for lunch and gazing at the mountain. minimal bugs and sweat in spite of the elevation gain due to the cool fall day.

I hiked to the saddle on 6-17-07. It is snow-free to the top.

Fantastic weather, we certainly got lucky. Followed the route described on summitpost.org. Parked at the Community Building just past the wooden bridge. The road after the bridge is under construction so parking is limited. Left the trailhead at 8.00am and reached the summit at 10.00am. The trail is in great condition. There are 3 trees down across the path, these are easily overcome. There is a patch of snow, 30-40 feet of slushy iced stuff, about 100 feet from the saddle. After that the stairs and the trail to the saddle, as well as the summit, are snow free. The scramble is straight forward: take a left at the saddle and head up the gully. The trail is easily followed to the top. Only a few exposed sections. Fantastic day and a great view of Mt. Rainer and Mt. Adams from the top.

On a cold, misty morning, took the 3000 vertical foot, 7.2 mile round-trip to Eagle Peak Saddle in Mt. Rainer NP. This is a moderate grade, steady uphill climb through old growth forest. It doesn't get steep until the last 200 feet or so. About a dozen hikers on the trail despite the weather. While there was no view today, the trail was in excellent condition for most of the way. Snow first encountered at 4600 ft and the mostly snow after 5500 ft. The steep steps leading to the saddle are snow-free however. There were 2-3 blow downs, but they were easy to sidestep. A great early summer hike in the Park, mostly snow-free, but even what snow there is left is easy to traverse. Poles would be helpful.