Mount Rainier National Park: Tolmie Peak
A bit of rain will only enhance your 6.1-mile out-and-back trek to foggy forests, misty waterfalls, and a nearly 6,000-foot peak in Mt. Rainier National Park.
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INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping-and-hiking.htm.
PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations requests accepted by fax or mail, starting on March 15th of each year ($20/reservation). Download form at nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservation-information.htm.
CONTACT Mt. Rainier National Park, (360) 569-2211; nps.gov/mora
Trail Facts
- Distance: 9.8
Waypoints
TOL001
Location: 46.932941, -121.864098
Head N on the Wonderland Trail around L shore of Mowich Lake
TOL002
Location: 46.934349, -121.865997
Veer R to flank the alpine water; muddy shores are crowded with alpine firs and plentiful huckleberry bushes
TOL003
Location: 46.940937, -121.864563
Ascend timbered ridge as the trail veers L from lake into foggy forests
TOL004
Location: 46.950359, -121.867996
Ipsut Pass: Turn L @ Y onto Tolmie Peak Trail
TOL005
Location: 46.951241, -121.8722
Dramatic chalky white cliffs rise 100 ft. On rainy days, the walls are streaked with waterfalls
TOL006
Location: 46.952141, -121.876602
Turn L, follow drumming sound to gully stream bathed in blooms; upstream, a lovely cascade pours off the canyon lip from Eunice Lake
TOL007
Location: 46.952648, -121.876999
Tip: The upturned branches of mountain hemlocks offer little rain protection. Best to rest under silver and noble firs, or Western white pines
TOL008
Location: 46.954159, -121.875702
Turn L @ Y; igneous columns crumble below Tolmie Peak
TOL009
Location: 46.9547, -121.876297
Circle S side of Lake Eunice; Rainier profile reflects in glassy waters. Climb arduous switchbacks
TOL010
Location: 46.9576, -121.880898
Tolmie Peak (5,939 ft.): On sunny days, bask in 360° views to Mts. St. Helens and Rainier; backtrack to car