74. Scarface, 6108' (S)
Scarface is located in a seldom-visited part of the park. It involves a lovely trail and is a relatively easy scramble. You can simply go to Scarface and back, but with a tiny bit of extra effort you can return via Grand Park. This route to Grand Park is the easiest way to reach this spectacular area of Mount Rainier. Of course, you can simply head to Grand Park and skip Scarface. Grand Park is a great destination for out-of-town visitors. The trail to Grand Park is relatively short and there are great views of Rainier, plus there is no entrance fee. The peak is probably named for its steep, rocky northeast face.
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Driving
Drive to Enumclaw and head east on SR 410 toward Mount Rainier. 6.1 miles beyond Greenwater (and 0.3 miles past the Mount Rainier Viewpoint) turn right on FS 73 and drive 10.1 miles until you reach Eleanor Creek. At this point the road is almost directly on the northern border of the park. There is a sign on the left side of the road marked “Eleanor Creek, elev. 4340.” Park just past the sign on the right. Note that the elevation is misstated – the correct elevation is 4540’.
Route
Look for a boot path just east of Eleanor Creek and head south. You will come to the park boundary within 150 yards. The trail is obvious and easy except for a few downed logs. It leads to Eleanor Lake. From the lake, head east along a maintained trail. Follow the trail until coming to a ridge at 5000'. Leave the trail and head west to Scarface. In general, staying on the ridge is the preferred route, except when coming to three rocky outcroppings (located at approximately 5500’, 5600’, and 5700’). Each of these should be passed on the left (south of the ridge) in the forest immediately below the rock base. After passing each rocky outcropping regain the ridge and continue until the next outcrop of rock. Once on Scarface, we suggest taking the ridge heading south and continue southerly until you reach Grand Park. There are many game trails on this ridge. From Grand Park, explore as you wish, then return to Eleanor Lake and the trailhead via the maintained trail.
Comments
Yellow-jacket nests have been noted on the ridge to Scarface in August. The views of Rainier from Grand Park are wonderful. Flowers in Grand Park are awesome in August.
Vital Statistics: Scarface
Skill: Easy Scramble
Beauty: 2
Effort: 3
Round-trip distance: 4.5 miles; 6.5 miles with Grand Park
Elevation gain: 2000'; 2300' with Grand Park
Total time: 4.5 hours (6.5 hours if you return via Grand Park)
Best season: July through September, road is blocked with snow in winter and spring
Equipment: Scramble gear
Scarface Topo
(use CalTopo to print PDF topo, view Google Earth, download tracks, for trailhead weather) [How to ?]
Scarface Photo
Scarface viewed from Lake Eleanor