Alpine Scramble - Pinnacle, Plummer, Denman, Lane & The Castle

We will meet in Eatonville to carpool. 

We need to be through the Ashford  National Park entrance well before 7 am or will not be allowed to enter without a reservation for each vehicle.  Parking at the trailhead is limited and fills up fast and I STRONGLY encourage people to carpool.

Driving time from Eatonville to the trailhead at Reflection Lake is 90  minutes and we need to be early at the Park Entrance in case there is line of care waiting to enter. All other parties that I know of are following the same game plan and it would be unfortunate if we missed parking spots at Reflection Lake. 

We can meet in Eatonville at 5:00 am to carpool and depart at 5:15 am sharp for the Park.   Carpool parking area is available. 

Public toilets available at Longmire and Kautz Creek turnout (where there are pit toilets and much faster to use).

National Park Permit or Mount Rainier Park permit is required. 

My trip goals and expectations are to stay together, be safe and have fun. 

My leadership style is to be inclusive of beginner and experienced scramblers. We will take breaks on the ascent to catch our breath, hydration, address potential blisters, change layers and take pictures. 

As a long time rock climber, I am focused on safety and willing to provide tips and advice on gear, scrambling technique, stance, hand and foot holds for security - just ask questions as needed.

We will carry and set a rope for the down climb for safety reasons since there is a bit of exposure. Helmets, boots or approach climbing shoes, seat harness or seat sling diaper seat and prussik slings for the down climb are mandatory.

After scrambling up Pinnacle Peak, we can go up Denman and Plummer Peak, depending on the group desires and weather. 

Great ice cream cones and/or coffee  in Ashford on the way home and, if the group desires, we can stop for chow in Eatonville.