73. Satulick Mountain, 5577' (S)
Satulick is an easy scramble, with most of the route on-trail. It is a wonderful destination in clear weather, but the 12 miles round-trip makes for a long day. The peak appears rocky and prominent from the trail to Indian Henrys Hunting Ground, but the scramble route reaches the summit via easy terrain. Satulick Mountain is named for So-to-lick, also known as Indian Henry, a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe who hunted in the area during the 1870s.
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Driving
From the Nisqually Entrance, drive 6 miles to Longmire. From Longmire, continue past the gate (which closes the road during heavy snowfall) on the Longmire-Paradise Road for 0.3 mile to a fairly large parking area on the right. If the road is blocked at Longmire, park at Longmire and walk the 0.3 mile on the road
Route
The Rampart Ridge trailhead (part of the Wonderland Trail) is located across the road from the parking area. Follow this trail, heading north over Rampart Ridge and across Kautz Creek and then Pyramid Creek. Keep heading northward until the trail takes a left turn and crosses Fishers Hornpipe Creek. Continue westward on the trail to Devils Dream Camp. From the campground at either spot 3 or 7, leave the trail at a bearing of 214 degrees southwest toward the Satulick Mountain summit and travel up the best terrain.
Comments
Snowshoes are likely necessary in the late winter and spring. Ice ax is also advised. The bridge over the Kautz Creek is often washed out, but crossing the creek can sometimes be accomplished using large rocks and fallen logs. Check with the ranger to be sure.
Vital Statistics: Satulick Mountain
Skill: Easy scramble
Beauty: 4
Effort: 6
Round-trip distance: 12 miles
Elevation gain: 3600'
Total time: 7 hours
Best season: Year-round, best in late spring
Equipment: Scramble gear, ice ax in spring and winter
Satulick Mountain Topo
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