Tolmie Peak

Tolmie Peak is a mountain summit in Mount Rainier National Park that rises 1,815 meters (5,958 feet) above sea level. The hike passes through thick forests at lower elevations before reaching sparse alpine vegetation and open rock near the top.

The peak was named after Dr. William Fraser Tolmie, a Scottish physician and fur trader who explored the Pacific Northwest during the 1800s. A fire lookout station built in the early 1900s still stands at the summit and reflects the era when rangers monitored forests from mountain heights.

The mountain holds a fire lookout station from the early 1900s, which serves as a testament to the region's forest protection heritage.

The hiking trail is generally accessible from July through October, with the trailhead near established parking areas. Be prepared for variable weather conditions and steep sections, particularly at higher elevations where exposure increases.

The summit features a restored fire lookout tower that still stands from the early 1900s and can be entered by visitors who reach the top. This rare structure on an accessible summit offers a glimpse into how forest rangers once worked from mountain heights across the region.

Location: Washington

Location: Pierce County

Elevation above the sea: 1,815 m

GPS coordinates: 46.95814,-121.87731

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09