64. Paul Peak, 4800' (S)

Paul Peak is a short, easy scramble, half of it on-trail. There is a peek-a-boo view from the top, as the peak is heavily treed. The entire trip travels through lovely forested terrain. The origin of the peak’s name is unknown.

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Driving

On the road leading to Mowich Lake, continue past the park boundary for 1 mile and park in the large parking area on the right (elevation 3690').

Route

From the Paul Peak trailhead, descend and cross Meadow Creek and continue on the trail to the southwest ridge of Paul Peak. Leave the trail here and ascend off-trail on the ridge on a bearing of approximately 70 degrees. There are a lot of downed trees, but they are easy to cross or walk around. Travel up the ridge, staying on the best terrain. At 4400' there is a small cliff, best passed on the left. At just over 4700' (when you come to the northwest ridge), change bearing to 110 to reach Paul Peak.It is reasonably easy to descend on the wrong ridge so we recommend closely backtracking using compass or GPS.

Comments

The USGS map shows the trail in the incorrect spot. The trail is actually about 300' below where shown. It is correctly shown on the Green Trails maps (Mt Rainier West and Mt Rainier Wonderland Map 269s).The actual summit is also shown incorrectly. The high point is approximately 300’ west of the closed contour line. On the map the true peak is located on the ridge between the “u” and “l” in the name Paul. 

Vital Statistics Paul Peak

• Skill: Easy Scramble

• Beauty: 3

• Effort: 2

• Round-trip distance: 5 miles

• Elevation gain: 2000'

• Total time: 4.5 hours

• Best season: July through September; the Mowich Lake road usually opens by July 4th.

• Equipment: Scramble gear