12. Bearhead Mountain, East, 6041' (S)

Bearhead is a hike and East Bearhead is an easy scramble. Both can easily be climbed in one day. Views of Rainier are impressive from both peaks. The peaks are outside the park but just barely. We describe both peaks in the route description, because they are so often climbed together. Origin of the Bearhead name is uncertain.

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Driving

Head toward the Carbon River Entrance and just before the park entrance, turn left on FS 7810 and cross the Carbon River. The bridge is not signed, nor is there a sign for FS 7810, but it is the only bridge crossing the Carbon River in this area. In 0.25 mile mile past the bridge, go right at a fork—the road initially parallels the river. From the bridge, travel 6.3 miles to the end of FS 7810 and park in a large parking lot. The road, though bumpy and slow going, does not require a high clearance vehicle.

Route

Bearhead: At the eastern end of the parking lot, take the trail marked “Summit Lake Trail 1177.” In about 0.85 mile, come to Twin Lake. Go right at the junction on Bearhead Trail 1179. At just over 2 miles from the trailhead, at 5400', reach a junction with Trail 1179a. This trail leads to Bearhead Mountain. (The sign for Trail 1179a was not present in 2012.)

East Bearhead: From Bearhead (East Bearhead is a scramble) return to the trail junction at 5400' and continue east then southeast. There is a sign (Carbon Trail 1179) at 5400' marking the trail, which continues toward East Bearhead. The trail at this point is not well maintained and parts are becoming overgrown, but it is still relatively easy to follow. At 5300' the trail intersects a ridge; leave the trail and follow the ridge northeast to East Bearhead Mountain. In general, stay on the ridge or on the open slope immediately to the right of the ridge. There is no footpath, but a lot of elk tracks head up the ridge. There are some rock outcroppings higher up, which can easily be passed on the right. Gain the summit block just east of the summit and approach the summit from the east.

Comments

In late spring or early summer (when the road is open to the trailhead), the trail to Bearhead may be snow covered and icy. We recommend turning back if you encounter steep, icy snow. In late spring and early summer, there is avalanche danger after the Trail 1179a junction to Bearhead. Use caution. Also, it is not recommended (though it may look tempting) to travel the ridge between Bearhead and East Bearhead, as this ridge has rock formations that make travel difficult and dangerous. Wildflowers are abundant on the upper slopes.

Vital Statistics: East Bearhead Mountain

• Skill: Easy scramble

• Beauty: 4

• Effort: 3

• Round-trip distance: 5 miles (East Bearhead); 8.6 miles (Bearhead and East Bearhead)

• Elevation gain: 2700' (East Bearhead); 3600' (Bearhead and East Bearhead)

• Total time: 5 hours (East Bearhead); 6.5 hours (Bearhead and East Bearhead)

• Best season: July through September

• Equipment: Scramble gear