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Pitcher Mountain


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Pitcher Mountain

Pitcher Mountain, near the Carbon River and northwest corner or Mount Rainier National Park, is a scramble moderate in elevation gain and distance......but challenging in navigation. Most of the trip is off-trail, with brush and swamp and steep forested slopes, to an impressive rocky summit.

Ascent Route

From cars follow spur road (this old road is now an overgrown trail) northwest till you come to open meadow with lots of logging debris. Cross this swampy meadow passing remains of an old cabin and ascend a steep brushy gully at the north-northwest end of meadow. From the notch at top of gully drop only 20-50 ft or so just enough to get around the rocky outcropping. Contour to the right through steep timbered slopes until you can see a gully going up. Recognizing the right gully is critical as several minor gullies are very steep and slippery. Ascend until you attain the ridge and follow to the summit.

Early season may not be able to drive to start of trip. Gully is  very brushy and filled with slide alder.  It is best done in snow.  The swampy area can be a challenge. Late May or early June are good times.

Alternative

Can be combined with a trip up old Baldy by running the Carbon Ridge between the two summits, a strenuous trip.

Notes

This peak is not often climbed. When damp, the difficulty is more like a Technical 5.

  • Suitable Activities: Scrambling
  • Seasons: May, June, July, August, September
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Technical 3, Strenuous 3
  • Length: 4.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
  • 5,933 ft
Map
  • USGS Bearhead Mtn
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