48. Lane Peak, 6012' (S)
Lane Peak is a difficult scramble due to a steep gully ascent. Lane can be combined with other peaks in the Tatoosh Range, such as Pinnacle, Denman, and Plummer. Lane Peak is named after Franklin K. Lane, secretary of the interior between 1913 and 1920, who visited the park during his term.
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Driving
From the Nisqually Entrance, drive to 1 mile beyond Narada Falls and turn onto Stevens Canyon Road. Continue another 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, follow a bootpath heading west. Head toward the saddle between Lane and Denman above Cliff Lake. You will have descended to approximately 5400'. Head westerly and then northwest toward the peak. Look for a faint climbers path that takes you to the base of a prominent gully. (The faint path ends at about 5800'.) Climb up the gully on well-worn rock. This gully is steep, with loose rock but good handholds. At the top of the gully, turn left to the summit.
Comments
A helmet is recommended. If the gully is wet, we suggest coming back another day. We also recommend a small party size, owing to rockfall hazard. Though the path may be obscured in late spring and early summer, there is a good footpath from the Pinnacle Peak saddle to Lane and beyond.
Vital Statistics: Lane Peak
Skill: Difficult scramble
Beauty: 7
Effort: 8
Round-trip distance: 8 miles
Elevation gain: 2400'
Total time: 7 hours
Best season: July through September
Equipment: Scramble gear, helmet
Lane Peak Topo
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Lane Peak Photos
Route and gully to Lane
Path from Denman heading toward Lane (seen in distance)