Saying goodbye to Fall and dry weather until next year.

October 13, 2024

Governor’s Ridge from the south and east

The weather was predicted to be almost summer-like for the weekend, with a steady dose of rain in the days that would follow. And it was the last day for the Sunrise/White River entrance to Mount Rainier to be open for the season. A good reason to attempt three more Rainier 100 Peaks.

Since tagging Tamanos Peak a couple weeks ago, I was drawn to the other side of the Owyhigh Lakes. Three peaks that are doable in a group.

Since this was a Mountaineers organization scramble trip I led, I went ahead and submitted a trip report to the Mountaineers website.

A link to that report is here

Stats

11.5 miles

4,100’ gain

10 hours 30 minutes

From the Owyhigh Lakes trailhead, take the trail for 3.5 miles and head cross-country, tagging one, two, or all three peaks to make a lollipop route.

Peaks

Barrier and Buell are class 2, with a short amount of class 2+/3 to gain the saddle west of Bartoer if taking the gully. There is an option to take the trail further beyond the lakes and ascend the trees ridge.

The ascent of Governors Ridge is more challenging. It’s a straightforward traverse from Buell, but the boulder field, gully, and ramps to the summit involve navigating steep slopes on loose, chossy rock with sand and tiny rocks where it’s easy to loose footing and knock rocks down. The summit block is airy. Some scramblers may not like the exposure or even the approach. It’s primarily class 3, or technical 4 within the Mountaineers rating system.