This last Sunday we attempted to reach Caulitz Rocks for a scramble on the south side of Mount Rainier, with hopes for some nice views of the surrounding peaks and down to Mount Adams and Hood to the south. However, the weather was less than ideal at Mount Rainier. We tried our very best, but the whiteout conditions were too dangerous to navigate and the group decided to turn around above Golden Gate and before we headed too deep into the backcountry.

My camera stayed in my pack for almost the entire trip, but the day was not lost, we had fun with our group and saw lots and lots of friendly Marmots on our way down through Panorama Point (also a very popular tourist destination with copious amounts of hikers of all levels).

A friendly Marmot posing for us, above Paradise at Mount Rainier

On our way down to the Paradise trailhead the clouds were beginning to clear for the first time that day. Such a bummer that did not happen sooner!

As with any failed attempt, we are now determined to go back and see what was in store for us up there.

Thanks for browsing! Until next time, happy hiking!

Caulitz Rocks

Day Hike / Mountaineering • Washington / Mount Rainier National Park
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Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 2400' gain, 7400' high point
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Alpine • Crevasse • Glacier • Mountain • National Park • Off Trail • Ridge • Scrambling • Snow • Snowshoeing • Views • Volcano

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Permit: National Park Day or Yearly Pass
Location: 52415 Paradise-Longmire Rd, Ashford, WA 98304
46.7853993, -121.7357097
Map: USGS Mt Rainier East, Green Trails Mt Rainier East 270, Mountaineers Guide

Map of Cowlitz Rocks (top-right), Paradise (lower-left)

Caulitz Rocks - Thwarted by Whiteout Conditions

Caulitz Rocks