Naches Peak Loop, Dewey Lake — Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon

This was a scrambling trip to the summit of Tahtlum Peak. We started out on the PCT/Naches Peak Loop from Chinook Pass at about 09:30. There were only a couple of other cars in the lot when we arrived, and the weather was pretty nasty with rain and strong winds. The road was fine all the way up, but the trail was mostly snow covered right from the get-go (elevation about 5,400 ft). As we progressed, we found less snow coverage and several places where mud and running water on the trail instead. Still, no major obstacles on the trail so the going was pretty easy. The trail wasn't steep enough to break out microspikes and the snow wasn't deep enough for snowshoes. Poles were helpful, though. We left the trail at about 5,840 ft to head up a ridge towards Tahtlum Peak. As the route got steeper we actually saw less snow. There are some areas with a lot of loose rock to watch out for, but it was not a terribly difficult scramble. Also, we lucked out with improving weather conditions throughout the day and were treated to some blue skies and great views along the way. Another great day in the mountains :-)