47. Iron Mountain, 6283' (S)
Iron Mountain is generally combined with Copper Mountain for a two-fer. These peaks are in a beautiful part of the park and have spectacular views of Rainier. Indian Henrys Hunting Ground (the takeoff point for both peaks) is about 5.7 miles (one-way) from the trailhead, making for a long day if you climb both peaks. Iron Mountain is named for the reddish color of the rock, thought to contain iron or iron oxide.
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Driving
From the Nisqually Entrance, drive approximately 3 miles to the Kautz Creek parking area located on the south side of the road.
Route
From the Kautz Creek trailhead (elevation 2400'), head north toward Indian Henrys Hunting Ground until you reach the ranger’s summer cabin in 5.5 miles. From the cabin, head in an easterly direction. There is a footpath near the outhouse behind the cabin. This path is soon lost, but there are game trails that help. Gain the saddle between Iron and Copper. Iron is to the south, Copper to the north. Both peaks have flat summits. The route to Copper heads up a fairly obvious gully just west of the ridge leading to the peak. To reach Iron, from the saddle head south and drop below rocky outcroppings until you are past the largest of the rock formations, and head upward through a gully. Note the spot where it reaches the summit. The summit is surprisingly flat and expansive. Of the two peaks, Iron has slightly more summit-finding challenges.
Comments
Flowers are quite spectacular in mid to late summer. Pyramid Peak is in the neighborhood, as is Ararat; however, Iron and Copper are “plenty of mountain” for a day. If there is enough daylight, a worthwhile short side trip from Indian Henrys Hunting Ground is to Mirror Lakes, a very photogenic lake with Rainier reflecting in the usually mirror-like water.
Vital Statistics: Iron Mountain
Skill: Moderate scramble, 85% on-trail
Beauty: 9
Effort: 8; 8+ for Iron and Copper
Round-trip distance: 12.1 miles, 12.6 for Iron and Copper
Elevation gain: 4400’, 4800’ for Iron and Copper
Total time: 8 hours, 9 for Iron and Copper
Best season: May through early October
Equipment: Scramble gear
Iron Mountain Topo
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Iron Mountain Photos
Off-trail route starts behind the ranger cabin
Copper, Iron, and Pyramid from the summit of Mount Wow
Approximate route to Iron from the saddle