35. Eagle Peak, 5958' (S)

Eagle Peak is often climbed together with Chutla. Of the two peaks, Eagle is more technically challenging, though most of the route is on-trail. Apparently an earlier name for Eagle Peak was the Indian word simlayshe, meaning “eagle.”

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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 Eagle Peak trailhead is signed “Eagle Peak Trail—Trail ends at saddle 3.6 miles.” Travel this well-maintained trail to the saddle between Chutla and Eagle. From the saddle, turn left and scramble to the top of Eagle on the footpath. The boot path initially heads off initially into some scrub trees for a woodsy start but that is the right way. Higher up a rocky ledge with a big step is a bit exposed, and a hand line may help here, especially on the descent. This step, approximately 75' from the summit, may be avoided by a detour, which descends to the left below the cliffs and then goes upward on a diagonal ledge to the right to rejoin the ridge above the big step. There is some exposure, but the way is straightforward scrambling.

Comments

Meadow flowers are abundant in late July and August.

Vital Statistics: Eagle Peak

• Skill: Moderate scramble, short stretch near the top may benefit from a hand line

• Beauty: 7

• Effort: 6

• Round-trip distance: 8 miles

• Elevation gain: 3200'

• Total time: 6 hours

• Best season: July through mid-September or first snow

• Equipment: Scramble gear, rope for hand line

View from Wahpenayo Peak

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