August Peak, Virgina Peak, Berry Peak & Martin Peak

getting there

From Enumclaw drive 5 miles west on SR-410 to the small town of Buckley and on the west end of town, turn left (south) onto SR-165. Continue 10 miles through the communities of Carbonado and Wilkeson before crossing the one-lane bridge over the deep Fairfax Gorge on the Carbon River. Just beyond the bridge, turn right onto Mowich Lake Road (Forest Road 79) a narrow road that climbs through a clearcut slope. Drive 11 miles to near the national park boundary and park  at ~3,600 ft, by the now the abandoned west park Boundary Trail starting just south of Martin Peak.

ASCENT ROUTE

Peaks are usually done in the order August, Virginia, Berry, Martin. Follow the trail to the August-Poch Saddle at about 4,400 ft. From the saddle go east to August Peak. Return to the Boundary Trail and follow it to the west ridge of Virginia Peak. Climb directly to the summit of Virginia.  To reach Berry follow the northeast ridge of Virginia to an unmarked sub-summit, then continue east, dropping some to avoid a steep traverse just before the final summit of Berry.  This can be tricky in snow. Return to the Boundary Trail via Virginia Peak, ascending to Martin Peak at the saddle before returning to the trail head.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous 3, Technical 2
• Length: 8.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,030 ft
• High Point: 5,120 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Rainier National Park
  Mount Rainier Wilderness
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12