Trip Report

Alpine Scramble - Chutla & Eagle Peaks

A fun scramble with short sections of moderate spice on a warm sunny day.

Ron Jones

September 25, 2025

Date: Sat, Sep 20, 2025
Activity: Alpine Scramble - Chutla & Eagle Peaks
Route/Place: Chutla, Eagle & Wahpenayo Peaks
Activity Type: Scrambling
Trip Result: Successful
Rating:

Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles
Route Conditions:
Eagle Peak trail is in great shape for 3 miles. The last 1/2 to 3/4 mile is steeper and resembles what one would expect for a steep, unmaintained trail.

Trip Report

This is one of my favorite scrambles in Mount Rainier. It provides a good workout, has a nice mix of trail with some good rock scrambling, and doesn't take all day.

A group of seven scramblers were walking out of Longmire by 8:00AM. Our group ranged from seasoned scramblers to current year students, including one who was looking for their last scramble to graduate. While the morning was a bit cooler, it didn't take long to warm up once we got moving. The weather for the day was warm and sunny.

While our pace on trail started a little faster than advertised, everyone handled it well, and the group did a great job regulating it to keep everyone together. When we arrived at the Eagle Peak saddle, three hikers were coming out of the trees from Eagle Peak (did not summit), and dropped a stuffed animal pillow, which we learned had sentimental value. One of our members rescued the stuffed animal from a steep slope to ensure the hikers did not take unnecessary risk. We took three longer breaks throughout the day, one at the saddle while performing the stuffed animal rescue, and then lingered at both summits to enjoy the views, eat snacks, and the company.

We also crossed paths with other Mounties out for the day on private trips - both groups doing all three peaks - Eagle, Chutla, Wapehnayo

Stats:

8.4 miles, 3,500' gain, 7.5 hours
8:00AM - Start
10:00AM - Eagle Peak Saddle ~3.7 miles and 2750' gain.
11:00AM - Eagle Peak Summit (actual scramble took 30 minutes)
12:30PM - Chutla Summit
1:00 PM - Begin Descent
3:30PM - Back at cars

After breaking out of the trees on trail, we took a very short break, while this grouse performed it's best imitation of a tree.

The path up Eagle is pretty short from the Saddle. Some minor brush bashing on a well defined boot path brings one to a short scramble up a few feet and this ledge, which provides a nice introduction to exposure. Around the corner, out of view is the 'step'...

The step isn't trivial as it can be a bit awkward for some to figure out the foot and hand placement. There is usually more concern descending it. Everyone managed it well in both directions, and we did not use a rope.

Eagle Peak summit. Photo credit to David Brunner

And down we go back to the saddle...

Billy led the downclimb of the the step and started by facing out, then pivoting right to face into the rock wall while stepping down. Everyone used the same move and I think it's better than than being face in with a blind foothold that is inset.