Naches Peak Loop
4 days ago
Snowfields to cross, could be difficult
6 this month · 135 reports
Tamanos Mountain
Mount Rainier Area
updated 2 weeks ago
The White River Road is currently open and suitable for all vehicles, though the White River Entrance itself is reported to be closing for the season soon, with one report noting October 18 as its last day of operation. The trail to Tamanos Mountain is consistently described as being in good condition, with no snow reported since late July. Bugs are not a significant issue, with multiple reports of no bugs.
The approach to Owyhigh Lakes is generally a gradual ascent through forest, but the trail becomes a steep, deeply rutted trench in sections, particularly on the ascent to the ridge. Reports from late September mention the fall colors were fading, with yellows hanging on but reds mostly gone. Water sources are becoming a concern; Tamanos Creek was dry as of September 22 and September 23, though water may be available at Owyhigh Lakes. The final push to the true summit involves some scrambling, with a section described as a short, moderate traverse requiring careful navigation and potentially loose rock.
Parking at the Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead is limited, with one report noting only eight spots. Multiple reports mention wildlife sightings, including marmots, mountain goats, deer, and bears.
Generated from 24 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Tamanos Mountain
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Beyond Owyhigh Lakes, the trail to Tamanos Mountain becomes a steep, deeply rutted trench. Some hikers recommend traveling on the sides of the rut to mitigate erosion and for easier descent. The final approach to the true summit involves mild scrambling and routefinding along a ridge and a gully.
Tamanos Creek was reported as dry or a mere trickle as of late September. Water may still be available at Owyhigh Lakes, but hikers should plan to carry sufficient water for the entire trip, especially past the lakes.
Parking at the Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead is limited, with one report stating there are only eight spots. It is advisable to arrive early, as one party found the lot nearly full by 8:45 am.
The trail to the true summit involves mild scrambling, particularly the final 50-100 yards. One report from September 18 describes a short moderate traverse beyond the false summit that requires careful footwork on potentially loose rock, followed by a step up into a skinny gully.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
The White River Road was closed for the season, so I had to bike about 4 extra miles to reach the trailhead.The trail was in amazing shape. I was in the forest the entire way to Owyhigh Lakes, where t...
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Signage at the White River Entrance indicates that today is the last day it's open. Thankfully, hiking buddies and I made it here just in time on a fabulous day to summit Tamanos Mountain and admire t...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
White River road was open and with no wait at 10:35 am, the bathrooms open and no issues parking at the trailhead. We enjoyed the long easy switchbacks to Owyhigh Lakes, a new trail to us. A pika sque...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Great day for a hike. Tamanos did not disappoint! ididn't see a lot of trail description on wta so for anyone wondering read on. i got to th about 8:45. as others have mentioned the parking lot is sm...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Tamanos is a beautiful mountain. Our party of 3 successfully reached the true summit.The crux of the route lies immediately beyond the false summit. You continue left and It requires navigating a shor...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
8 miles | 1,700' elevation gainSeptember is winter in the mountains.It’s a lesson that bears repeating, especially when a beautiful fall day can change quickly in the high country.Our hike to Owyhigh ...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
No line at the park entrance at 10:15am this Tuesday. The parking lot only has eight spots and we were number six. No toilet at TH but there are plenty of trees just down the service road.We met a few...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Nice little hike that you can tune to your liking and the weather -- up to the lakes, the gap or all the way to the summit of Tamanos.
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Writing this to maybe help others with status. It has snowed here about 10 days prior but it wasn’t much and apparently it melted quick. Entire trail was snow free.This is basically a trail walk up ...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Lovely trail, especially considering the lack of people relative to other parts of the park. Two trailheads you can approach this from also add some variability to it. Crystal clear views of Rainier f...