Eagle Peak Saddle — Friday, Jul. 6, 2001

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

This trail begins after crossing the Nisqually River bridge (usually done on foot as it's alot easier to just park in the main lot). It starts out going UP and is relentless in it's pursuit of the saddle. Usually some place on a trail it will atain a ridge line and follow it. Not here. This is uphill all the way. The saving grace for the current hot weather is it is 90% in shade of fantastic, old growth forest. Once you break out in the sun you will be faced with a vertical flower feild that is framed by massive walls of mountains. Don't think your journey is near an end at this point. The final pitch to the summit saddle is almost a scramble over rocks of the water drainage. At the signed summit you have a reward of all the major Cascade peaks. Adams, St. Helens, Hood are all visable. Rainer soars in your face when you turn from the others. The way to the top of the surrounding peaks are all unmaintained and really silly 'cause the veiw from the saddle is not only as good as it gets - it is as good a veiw as any day packer could ever ask for! A word to the wise - don't bring the kids on this one. It's just too steep.