Why spend Father's Day behind a new tie or at a swank restaurant when you can take in one of the Most. Majestic. Mountains. Ever instead?
We attempted this hike in early May. Had to turn back just past the first footbridge before the trail was lost under a ton of snow. On this clear, blue June morning, however, navigating was easy. It was the hamstring-hollering climb to the top that took some grit and determination. But oh, the view!
This trail is tailor-made for switch-back-a-holics. There are LOTS along the way! The trailhead starts behind staff housing at Longmire. Drive across a suspension bridge. Keep a sharp eye out for the trailhead sign. It's on the left, across from the Nisqually River. If you blink, you'll miss it.
The trail starts ascending almost immediately as you walk under the lush understory of an old-growth forest. There's plenty of shade on a warm day.
The trail crosses a foot bridge at about 4,400 feet. We met a park ranger here. She described the Eagle Peak Saddle trail as "Rampart Ridge on steroids." She's right. The trail levels out after the foot bridge. Don't be fooled. The steep climb continues. The trees thin a bit and then crowd in again as you chug through a dense forest. It breaks out into the clear as you pick your way over a couple rocky avalanche chutes closer to the saddle. We ran into snow about a mile from the saddle - six patches of hard pack. We didn't punch through. A little slushy on our way down later in the day.
The last half mile or so of this hike includes a series of short, steep switchbacks up to the saddle. Be sure to turn around here. The views of neighboring mountains like Mount Saint Helens, Baker and Adams are jaw-dropping. Wildflowers were just beginning to awaken from their refrigerated winter slumber.
Once you hit the saddle, prepare for an outrageous view of Mount Rainier. Simply stunning. You can keep going to the summit. There's a trail on the right. We opted to abide by the "End of Maintained Trail" sign, plopped down on a low wooden bench and soaked in some sun and solitude for about 45 minutes before heading back. The Really Fun Part? Going from sea level to nearly 6,000 feet in about six hours.
At about 8.4 miles RT, this trail is a great alternative to the crowded trails of Paradise, especially on a fine, clear day in June. It just doesn't get any better for a unique Father's Day outdoor adventure.
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