The Tatoosh Traverse

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The Tatoosh Traverse is a famous high route across the Tatoosh Range which forms the southern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. The traverse starts at the eastern-most peak in the range, and traverses the high ridges and saddles of the entire range, summiting each peak along the way, until the western-most peak. Being a high route, this traverse is mostly off-trail, cross-country route finding through alpine and subalpine terrain. The 11 peaks forming the Tatoosh Range that we bagged were Unicorn, Boundary, Foss, Castle, Pinnacle, Plummer, Denman, Lane, Wahpenayo, Chulta, and Eagle Peak. The climbs ranged from Class 3 to Class 5 scrambles -- with Unicorn, Castle, and Lane somewhere around a 5.5 grade. We did not bring any technical gear (ropes, rappel system, climbing shoes) because we wanted to move fast and light, and personally did not find it necessary. That being said, some may find it helpful for the spicier climbs, and many folks would find it comforting to rappel down rather than down climb. Feel free to comment any questions you may have below!