The Barrier
Scramble to the 6,566-foot, northern-most summit on Governors Ridge in Mount Rainier National Park. It's a relatively easy scramble at ~5 miles round trip and ~3,300 feet of elevation gain. Enjoy a panoramic viewpoint from which to see Mount Rainier and many other peaks in the White River area.
getting there
Drive SR-410 to the northeast entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Continue on SR-410 for ~6 miles, bear right onto Sunrise Road and continue ~1 mile to the White River Ranger Station (3,500 ft).
approach & ascent
From the White River ranger station, head uphill or find trail to water storage tower leading to northeast ridge. Follow the northeast ridge in mostly open forest, picking up frequent game trails, until reaching open meadows. Bypass the false summit on its right and continue to the benchmark on true summit.
- Suitable Activities: Scrambling
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Strenuous 2, Technical 1
- Length: 5.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,100 ft
- 6,566 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
- Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
- Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
- USGS White River Park
- USGS Chinook Pass
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