Trip Report
Paul Peak hike
Late summer hike of one of the Rainier 100
David Judish
- Sun, Sep 4, 2016
- Paul Peak
- Scrambling
- Successful
-
- Road suitable for all vehicles
-
100 Rainier peaks book is accurate; about a million downed trees to step over, but with care few are too difficult. The terrain near the top seemed steeper that the USGS topo suggests, but trekking poles can be used the whole way up.
After scrambling Fay, part of our group checked off Paul Peak, following the Rainier 100 route description. A bit slippery on downed trees and branches after recent rain, but many mushrooms emerging including delectable hericium and sulfur shelf. 4 point single deer antler found and left there, and three Mylar balloons cleared from the mountain. Good peak for a cool cloudy day, since no views to speak of. Some very nice old growth in places though. Just under 4 hours at a slow end of moderate pace. Definitely recommend hiking poles, but no helmet or rope should normally be needed.