96. Wahpenayo Peak, 6231' (S)
Wahpenayo Peak is a scramble on the western end of the Tatoosh Range. It has a short exposed portion near the summit. Some might choose to stop just before the exposed portion or may be comfortable with a hand line. The peak is apparently named after the father-in-law of Indian Henry.
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Driving
From the Nisqually Entrance, drive 6 miles to Longmire. From behind the Longmire Ranger Station (past the Park Service residence housing), cross the Nisqually River Bridge. Approximately 100 yards past the bridge, there is parking for two cars on the right. If there is no parking space here, continue down the road 0.2 mile to the community center, where there is plenty of parking.
Route
The trailhead for Wahpenayo is the Eagle Peak Trail, which is signed “Eagle Peak Trail—Trail ends at saddle 3.6 miles.” Travel this well-maintained trail until reaching 5000', when the trail reaches an open meadow. Leave the trail at this point and head east to the saddle between Wahpenayo and Chutla at 5800'. There is an overgrown climbers path for most of the way to the saddle. At the saddle, follow the path along the ridge, initially southeast and then northeast as you approach the summit. When necessary, stay on the east side of the ridge.
Comments
There is an exposed short stretch near the summit, and we suspect some scramblers might prefer a hand line if one can be strung. Snow cornices on the ridge, if present, pose a late-spring hazard
Vital Statistics: Wahpenayo Peak
Skill: Moderate scramble
Beauty: 6
Effort: 8
Round-trip distance: 8 miles
Elevation gain: 3600'
Total time: 7 hours
Best season: June through September, or first snow
Equipment: Scramble gear
Wahpenayo Peak Topo
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