Little Tahoma/South Face

Temporary Midweek Closure - Weekend Access Only

11/29/2022 Update: For the winter of 2022-23, public access to Paradise is limited to Saturdays and Sundays, weather/staff/equipment dependent. Due to staffing shortages the park does not have the capacity to maintain public access 7 day/week. See the full announcement on Mount Rainier National Park’s website.

getting there

From SR-7 in Elbe, turn east onto SR-706, both known as the National Park Highway. Continue through the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Be prepared to pay the fee just after entering the park. Drive 19 miles to Paradise.

In winter, ALL drivers in the park are required to carry snow chains or equivalent traction devices—this includes those with a 4-wheel or  all-wheel drive vehicle. Those without a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle may be required to install them at Longmire or beyond.

approach

Ascend toward Camp Muir. At 8,600 ft, traverse northeast crossing the Paradise, Cowlitz, and Ingraham Glaciers to the base of Little Tahoma's South Face (8,900 ft).

ascent

South Shoulder

Difficulty: Intermediate Mountaineering climb

Climb snow and ice up to 45°, and  Class 4 to low Class 5 rock to the summit (11,138 ft). Times: 1-2 days, 4-6 hours from high camp, 2-3 hours for decent.

East Shoulder

Difficulty: Basic Glacier Climb

Contour around 9,000ft to the first rock outcrop and ascend the Frying Pan Glacier exiting at its upper left-hand corner into a gully. Ascend two-thirds of the way up the gully to a 6-foot step at a headwall. Go up the step and ascend a gully-chimney to the summit notch. A short (30 ft), loose and exposed scramble along ridge crest reaches the summit. Students need only climb to the notch to receive credit. Times: 1-2 days, 6-8 hr to camp, 4-6 hr camp to summit.

descent

Descend the East Shoulder route to 8,800 ft. Traverse south to the Ingraham Glacier and retrace the climbing route from there.

equipment

Standard glacier gear.

Notes

• In winter and early season climbs, these routes are better approached from Paradise. When Mount Rainier National Park opens the roads to Sunrise Road, refer to the approach via Meany Crest.

INFORMATION FOR LEADERS

PERMITS

A climbing permit is required for trips to Little Tahoma. Climbing permits are required for trips on glaciers and/or above 10,000 ft. Fees apply. Check with Mount Rainier National Park (land manger link below) to be sure you have the required camping and climbing permits.

• Suitable Activities: Climbing
• Climbing Category: Intermediate Alpine
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, May, June
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Intermediate Mountaineering Climb, Basic Glacier Climb
• Length: 14.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 6,000 ft
• High Point: 11,138 ft

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