Trail of the week

Plummer Peak

HIKE DESCRIPTION: The wildlife are fattening up, and helicopters are hauling gear in from backcountry outposts. Summer is winding down at Mount Rainier National Park, but there is still time to squeeze in a few more higher elevation hikes before the snow comes. (If the snow comes.)

The 6,370-foot summit of Plummer Peak is a short hike and easy scramble from the Reflection Lakes parking area on the south side of the park. On a clear day, hikers are rewarded with a four-volcano view: Mounts Adams, Hood and St. Helens to the south and Mount Rainier dominating the view north. With binoculars you can see mountaineers working their way to Camp Muir. With the naked eye, you can sometimes see climbers bagging neighboring Pinnacle Peak and The Castle (more technical climbs than the walk-up experience of Plummer Peak).

You can also see the parking lot at Paradise and appreciate that you’ve ascended above the masses.

The hike starts with a 1.3-mile hike through the trees to the saddle between Pinnacle and Plummer peaks. Even here, at the end of the maintained trail, the views are sensational. This is the jumping off point for exploring the Tatoosh Range.

To reach Plummer Peak from the saddle, follow the footpath west and take the easiest path to the top. Footpaths lead most of the way to the summit before a final, short scramble over rock. Return the way you came.

DIRECTIONS: From the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, drive toward Paradise, then take the cutoff to the Stevens Canyon Road. Park at Reflection Lakes and find the Pinnacle Peak trailhead well marked on the south side of the road.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 4 (5 is most difficult, 1 is easiest).

MILES ROUND TRIP: 3.5 miles.

ELEVATION GAIN: 1,500 feet.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: June-September.

MAP: Green Trails 270S: Paradise.

PASS: Mount Rainier entrance fee is $20 per vehicle.

ALSO: Check weather and trail conditions before attempting this hike. The scrambling portion of this trip is off trail, and signs in the area remind visitors to minimize their impact on their surroundings. This trip can be easily extended by hiking farther along the range or bagging other nearby peaks. This is a trip for experienced hikers with route-finding and scrambling skills. Other peaks in the area are more challenging scrambles, and some require climbing skills. Helmets and other gear might be necessary. Some make the one-way traverse from Pinnacle Peak to Eagle Peak then descend to Longmire. Visitors should be cautious of loose rock, both on the trail to the saddle and the slopes above. Dogs are not allowed on national park trails.

INFO: nps.gov/mora, 360-569-6650.

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 3:45 AM with the headline "Trail of the week."