23. Chutla Peak, 6000' (S)
Chutla Peak is located in the western portion of the Tatoosh Range. Its trailhead is behind Longmire. It is often climbed together with Eagle (and sometimes with Wahpenayo). Chutla is a moderate scramble, with most of the route on-trail. Chutla is a Nisqually Indian word for rock.
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Driving
From the Nisqually Entrance, drive 6 miles to Longmire. From behind the Longmire Ranger Station (past the Park Service residence housing), cross the Nisqually River Bridge. Approximately 100 yards past the bridge, there is parking for two cars on the right. If there is no parking space here, continue down the road 0.2 mile to the community center, where there is plenty of parking.
Route
The route to Chutla is via the Eagle Peak trailhead, signed “Eagle Peak Trail.” Travel this well-maintained trail for about 3.4 miles and look for a way trail at about 5400’ (before reaching the Eagle-Chutla saddle). Head easterly on the path and travel below a line of cliffs. Contour east climbing slightly for about 250 yards. The trail then heads steeply up the slope into a gully and into the woods to join the path coming from the Eagle-Chutla saddle. From here it is an easy stroll to the summit. (Thanks to Henry Romer for helpful suggestions.)
Comments
Beware of avalanche danger in the spring. Helmets should be worn on the final approach.
Vital Statistics: Chutla Peak
Skill: Moderate scramble
Beauty: 7
Effort: 5
Round-trip distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3200'
Total time: 6 hours
Best season: July through mid-September or first snow
Equipment: Scramble gear, helmet
Chutla Peak Topo
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