After a fabulous week of biking in Italy I deemed it pertinent to get my hiking legs back in action. Armed with a good weather forecast, I drove to the White River campground at Mt. Rainier on Wednesday afternoon and secured a spot, much easier now that the summer crowds have diminished. I thought a jaunt up to Third Burroughs Mountain (7828’) would be in order, utilizing the Glacier Basin trail to the Burroughs cut off. Once above 7,000’ I was greeted by blustery cold winds, quite invigorating. A left turn led me to Third Burroughs and the attendant views. Despite a cloud layer bisecting the mountain, the views were still impressive. I wandered the expanse of the peak and peered down on the Winthrop Glacier and Inter Glacier, marveling that I had skied the Inter not so long ago; this day it was looking a little ragged and sparse. The lateness of the day helped ensure solitude on the peak and I took pleasure in seeing my long shadow in front of me as I descended on the return leg, with my exaggerated lower legs and tiny head bobbing down the scree. It was nice to revisit this perch to one of the better views in the park.

*Rainier/Winthrop Glacier from Third Burroughs Mountain (7828’)*

The real goal of this trip was to tag the summit of Central Cowlitz Chimney (7421’), a described moderate scramble appropriate for my solo sojourns. I had recently visited Banshee (7400’) and scouted the approximate route I would take to access Central Cowlitz. Once again I just started from my camping spot at White River vice packing up and driving to the Fryingpan Creek trailhead, a move that would cost me over 5 miles round trip but worth the convenience. This would be the fifth time this year I have transited the Summerland area. From deep snow to fall colors, I have thoroughly enjoyed the nuances of changing seasons here. The Sarvant cross country zone is always a pleasure and this trip had constant wide open views. From Banshee (7400’) one must contour around to access Central Cowlitz Chimney, and not being familiar with the terrain I ended up staying too high, necessitating energy expending scrambling lower to finally access the saddle leading to the peak. The saddle was marked by a lounging goat, who eventually sauntered away as I approached. Eyeing the peak, I started a traverse to the right, which brought me to a steep blocky wall. Knowing the summit was just above, I actually started to climb this, but soon came to my senses. There are rules I have for solo travel, and one is no class 4 climbing. So close, yet perhaps unattainable. However, I knew this peak was described as a moderate scramble so I turned back. Mere paces later I came to an obvious way to the top and the remainder of the scramble was easy indeed. Topping out revealed one of the coolest views I have seen from any of the sub peaks in the park so far. The sheer wall below Banshee looked like a scene out of “Dune”, except for the Sarvant Glacier that flowed from its base. Perched atop this massive wall was Rainier, slightly opaque from the smoke that had been creeping in the whole afternoon. A glorious sight indeed!

*Looking across Goat Island Mountain to the Cowlitz Chimneys*

With the day now halfway done, I smartly contoured lower, avoiding the rocky outcroppings, and rejoined the meadow that would take me to Panhandle Gap. The rest of the day was cruise mode on slightly sore legs back to my waiting van. Just another incredible day in the park!

*Central Cowlitz Chimney (7421’), Mt. Rainier National Park*