Eagle Peak Hike at Mt Rainier

 Beautiful fall weekend, we headed up to Mt Rainier via the Nisqually Entrance and headed across the Nisqually River at Longmire. There is a pull out across from the trailhead with a fabulous view of Mt Rainier.
The trail up to the saddle at Eagle Peak is 7.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3000 ft.

 It was a bit chilly when we started our hike, but we knew we would warm up fast with the steep trail. Most of the trail is in the woods. The trail begins climbing through the forest in switchbacks.

 We found this green and tan frog along the trail.

 Lots of tall trees to admire.

 About 2.1 miles from the trailhead and 1800 ft in elevation gain, a log bridge crosses the creek and the trail continues to climb up through the forest.

 About another mile along the trail, you briefly enter a meadow and glimpse Chutla Peak to the right.
We hiked through some avalanche chutes and could hear pica squeaking in the rocks, but did not see them today.

 The trail turns and steeply climbs up to another forest.

For a short time, the trail levels off and you get a glimpse of Eagle Peak through the trees, before the trail begins to climb again.

The trail enters another meadow and climbs steeply up to the saddle between Eagle and Chutla Peaks.

There are fabulous views to the south, great opportunity to stop and catch your breath.

 We could see Mt Adams:

Mt Hood and

Mt St Helens

 At 3.6 miles from the trailhead, you reach the saddle and the end of the "maintained trail". Chutla Peak is seen in the background. Do not stop here. Continue along the well marked boot track across the saddle.















As you round Eagle Peak, Mt Rainier begins to be seen.

Panoramic View: Eagle Peak, Mt Rainier, beginning of the Tatoosh Range, and Chutla Peak

 Someone had placed two logs together to make a bench in the shade, but on this fall day, we opted to sit on the rocks in the sun and enjoy our lunch and the views.
We could see Van Trump Park, where I hiked 1-1/2 weeks ago and

 Comet Falls, which we hiked passed on our way to and from Van Trump Park.

From the saddle, looking down toward the Nisqually Valley and our trail back down hill.












 Some of the fungi that caught my fancy today: