31. Denman Peak, 6006' (S)

Denman Peak is an easy scramble in the Tatoosh Range. Denman was named by the Mountaineers in 1931 (and it subsequently became the official name) in honor of Asahel Holmes Denman of Tacoma, a lawyer, photographer, and avid mountaineer. Denman was very involved in the effort to rename Mount Rainier as Tacoma.

_________________________________ 

Driving

From the Nisqually Entrance, drive to 1 mile beyond Narada Falls and turn right onto Stevens Canyon Road. Drive 1.5 miles and park at the Reflection Lake parking lot on the north side of the road (elevation 4870').

Route

Across from the parking area, begin on the Pinnacle Peak Trail and follow it to the saddle at 5940'. From the saddle, a good boot path heads west. Follow this path (in approximately 200 yards it will cross to the north side of the ridge for a short distance and then recross to the south side) until you reach a flat area where there is a path continuing west to Denman (you may see a footpath heading up the north ridge of Plummer). The path to Denman descends about 200' off the ridge and then rises. The peak is located to the northwest and is an easy scramble. There are boot paths and a cairn or two, but there are multiple easy ways to the summit.

Comments

Denman Peak is often combined with a scramble to Plummer and Pinnacle or Plummer and Lane. Be cautious of a washout on the boot path from the saddle heading west reported in 2016.

Vital Statistics: Denman Peak

• Skill: Easy scramble

• Beauty: 6

• Effort: 2

• Round-trip distance: 4 miles

• Elevation gain: 1600'

• Total time: 4 hours

• Best season: July through September

• Equipment: Scramble gear

Denman Peak Topo