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Tolmie Peak

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (50)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. …Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Carbon/Mowich
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“A manageable out-and-back showcasing multiple lakes and panoramic views from atop Tolmie Peak. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

6.1

Miles

9.8

KM

Out and Back

5,864' 1,787 m

High

4,907' 1,496 m

Low

1,348' 411 m

Up

1,348' 411 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Eunice Lake and Tolmie Peak Lookout offer spectacular views of Mount Rainier and surrounding areas.

Need to Know

Take SR 165 to the Mowich Lake Road. After driving almost 17 miles on this rough and dusty gravel road, hikers are ready to find the trailhead! It is located on the south side of the lake.

Description

To start this hike, take the Wonderland Trail from the southern side of Mowich Lake. The trail will contour above Mowich Lake before switchbacking to gain the lake's northern ridge. From here, Wonderland Trail descends lazily to a junction with Tolmie Peak Trail at mile 1.4.

The Tolmie Peak Trail contours around the mountain's southern flank below Lake Eunice before ascending steeply through a series of switchbacks. The trail ascends through gradually thinning coniferous forest. After about a half-mile, the trail levels out as it emerges at Lake Eunice. Take a few moments to enjoy the lake's pristine, picturesque waters as well as the craggy slopes above the lake. Some will choose to turn around here but the trail continues to the summit of Tolmie Peak.

The last mile from Eunice Lake to Tolmie Peak Lookout is steep but well worth the effort! Views of the lake below and Mt. Rainier to the south abound as you hike uphill. After a final switchback, the trail trends eastward and the grade lessens. At the summit, prepare to be awestricken by panoramic views of the pristine, lush surroundings.

Flora & Fauna

At the upper elevations of high elevation forests, trees become less dense as the forest transitions into subalpine parkland. Subalpine parkland covers approximately 23 percent of the park; vegetation in this zone is a mosaic of tree clumps and herbaceous meadows extending from forest line to tree line, or about 5,000 feet to about 7,000 feet (approx. 1500-2100 meters). Tree cover and the location of plant communities in this zone is limited by the depth and duration of the snowpack.

History & Background

In 1833, Dr. William Tolmie sailed from London to Fort Vancouver where he awaited assignment. After seeing "The Mountain," he was captivated and subsequently made a visit to collect "herbs of which to make medicine." Research now shows that Tolmie actually ascended Hessong Rock.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Mount Rainier National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Tilman Giese
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 50 votes

#1

in Carbon/Mowich

#195

Overall
  4.7 from 50 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Carbon/Mowich

#13

in Washington

#195

Overall
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8,465 Since Feb 26, 2015
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Photos

Mt. Rainier and Eunice Lake From Tolmie Peak Lookout Tower
Dec 30, 2018 near Buckley, WA
Experience wildflower scents for days along the Tolmie Peak Trail.
Feb 3, 2017 near Buckley, WA
This is from Tolmie Peak in MRNP. This fire lookout is located in the NW corner of the park and overlooks Eunice and Mowich Lake as well as Ipsut Pass and Spray Park.
Jul 23, 2023 near Buckley, WA
Just past the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout at the top of Tolmie Peak - use extreme caution here, beware of very steep drop-offs.
Aug 17, 2016 near Buckley, WA
Mt. Rainier from Tolmie Peak Lookout with Eunice Lake visible in the forefront
Jul 28, 2017 near Buckley, WA
Stunning reflection on the very still Mowich Lake as the sun rises alongside the Wonderland Trail.
Aug 16, 2016 near Buckley, WA

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Check-Ins

Sep 13, 2023
Ashley Wollam
Takes about two hours, at a good pace, to summit—but then you just want to stay up there all day. Absolutely incredible views of Mt. Rainier. 6.7mi — 3h 14m
Sep 6, 2023
Madison Baker
Sep 2, 2023
Private User
Aug 28, 2023
Rob Amerling
Slightly smokey and some fog but trails were clear 5.6mi — 2h 30m
Jul 15, 2023
John Eun
Oct 7, 2022
Rachel Strasz
Sep 24, 2022
Beth N
5.6mi
Sep 17, 2022
Tilman Giese

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