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 Reporter |
Summary: This peak was originally known as Sim layshe, a Native American word for eagle. When the Longmire family settled nearby, George Longmire anglicized the name to Eagle Peak. For the first two miles the trail ascends steeply through dense forest to a small stream, then continues another mile to a meadow. Beyond the meadow the trail is much steeper and rocky as it climbs the final .5 mile to the 5700 ft. saddle where the trail ends. Panoramic views await the hearty hiker who reaches Eagle Peak Saddle! Trailhead: From the Longmire plaza drive past the building with the flagpole, through the employee housing area and across a suspension bridge. Continue .1 mile and park in front of the Community Building. Walk a short distance back up the road toward the bridge. The trailhead is on the right about 50 ft. before reaching the bridge. As an alternative, park near the Longmire Museum or National Park Inn and walk to the trailhead. It is located 50 ft. beyond the bridge on the left. (Lat:46.74986 Lon:-121.80895) Trail Guides for Eagle Peak Saddle Mt. Rainier Natl Park: 50 Hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park by Ira Spring & Harvey Manning (The Mountaineers) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Longmire Wilderness Information Center --(360) 569-HIKE - Open 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Evan on 9/15/2007 Struck out into the fog on the Eagle Peak trail this morning at 7:15, steadily gained altitude on long switchbacks through old growth Hemlock and fir for an hour and 1/2. Not much variety in the scenery except for a small creekfall. The trail finally opened onto a scree bank with a meadow feel and steeper switchbacks working up to a ridge. The sun then broke through to reveal the backside of Eagle peak looming above. There the trail began switching back steeply and magnificent views opened to the south. Upon gaining the saddle, breathtaking views of Rainier, the valley, (still shrouded in low fog) and adjacent pinnacle peak broke upon us. Tempting as they were, the less maintained trails up Eagle peak itself did not lure our wobbly legs. 
Reviewed by Judi on This hike was great. It was steep and definitely a challenge, especially through snow and the last .5 mile of the trail, but the view was amazing. It was clear and sunny and we could see Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Hood in the distance. And it felt like I could reach out and touch Mt. Rainier. Be careful on the way down...it can get pretty steep and your likely to take a tumble or two.
Reviewed by LV on 1/20/2005 I did this hike in mid July 2002 with my husband and we both loved it. The views were amazing. Our only complaint would be that we lost the very last part of the trail near the top due to lingering snow. All in all a wonderful, lonely, muscle building hike. One of our favorites in the park.
Reviewed by LL on 8/9/2004 It is enjoyable. I've only gone twice, and both times hit rain and clouds at the top, so I've got to take your word on the view. Will try again...maybe the third time's the charm. A word of caution, the final half mile is slippery when overcast and damp. I took a short tumble on the way down. Be careful!
Reviewed by Bob on 6/16/2004 Easily accessed, yet reasonably secluded trail. I have taken my early teenage kids on this hike and they have enjoyed it as well. View is incredible from saddle, and even better at the summit, but this portion is much more a climb than a hike and should be attempted with care.
Reviewed by gordon on 11/20/2003 excellant hike. not many people. hiked to many times to count., I am 67. I have been hiking 53 years. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Pierce County Hiking, Pierce County Trails, Pierce County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||