Berry Peak

Overview

Berry Peak located on at ridge located near the northwest border of Mount Rainier is forested high point on the ridge. Berry Peak is on the same ridge that connects Martin Peak all of the way to Tolmie Peak. The summit itself is much better done with snow that without. In summer this peak can be a Class 2 bushwhack/scramble with questionable rock to scramble on. As for views the mountain only has peak-a-boo views. That being said the ridge along the north has a couple decent views of Mount Florence and Howard to the north and one good shot of Rainier to the south all just north of the forested true summit.




It is recommended that Berry Peak and the connecting ridge is literally done just after Mowich Lake Road up to the Paul Pete Trail has been plowed. Usually the snow conditions up on the mountain will be just right for a three summit traverse. Berry Peak is doable in summer but you must expect to do thick bushwhacking in thick lush forest.



To get to Berry Peak you want to park at the Paul Peak Trailhead just beyond the the Mount Rainier National Park. Once at the the trailhead walk back down the to the park boundary to the decommissioned Boundary Trail. This trail is decent condition and becomes obvious once you go 30 yards past the road. Continue all the way on the trail up to the top of the ridge where you will turn right and head east, first over Virginia Peak and then another mile to both the western false summit and then the true summit of Berry Peak. The last bit of the mountain can require a brief Class 2 scramble if not done in snow. Once on the ridge it is highly recommended that you head back to the trail and then head east along the ridge for the summit of Virginia Peak and Berry Peak.




It should be noted to not try to bushwhack from this summit to the Mowich Lake Road. There is a good chance you will cliff out here and the forest below are way too thick for pleasant travel. Follow the ridge back the way you came. Though it may look like more of a distance, it is a much more pleasant and safer alternative.

Getting There

VIA 410 in Buckley: Take Route 165 South. It will soon intersect with Route 162. Continue on Route 165 south through the towns of Wilkeson and Carbonado. You then go over an older bridge ove the Carbon River. This bridge is beginning to look unsteady and would not be a good place to be during an earthquake. Roughly a half mile over the bridge you will run into an intersection with one road veering right and head up Mowich Lake Road. You want to head up 11 miles up past the park boundary and the Paul trailhead will be on your right.

Red Tape

Mount Rainier National Park Pass is required at the trailhead. It is $15 for the day and $30 for the year. From my experience though during the offseason, I did not need a Park Pass to park at the Paul Peak Trailhead.

Camping

Backcountry Permit Required for Camping while in Mount Rainier National Park. For more information please click here

It should be noted that the Boundary Trail does spend some time outside of Mount Rainier National Park and in that general area you do not need a permit to camp there.

External Links

Information on the Backcountry Hiking and Camping at Mount Rainier National Park

Images

View Berry Peak Image Gallery - 7 Images