Little Tahoma Peak is a subsidiary summit of Mount Rainier, the highest volcano in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, United States. Situated within Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state, the peak forms part of the mountain’s prominent east ridge.
Geography
- Elevation: 13,693 ft (4,172 m) above sea level.
- Prominence: Approximately 613 ft (187 m) (estimated from topographic maps).
- Location: Northwest of the town of Ashford, Washington, United States; coordinates are listed as roughly 46°53′05″ N, 121°45′04″ W in United States Geological Survey (USGS) data.
- Parent Peak: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft / 4,392 m).
- Range: Cascade Range, specifically the Rainier Volcano.
The peak rises on the east flank of Mount Rainier, above the Emmons Glacier and the Mowich River watershed. It is primarily composed of andesitic and dacitic lava flows that are part of the larger volcanic edifice of Rainier.
History
The name “Little Tahoma” reflects its status as a smaller, distinct high point on the massive Rainier mass. The term “Tahoma” is an indigenous name historically applied to what is now commonly called Mount Rainier. The designation “Little Tahoma” appears in early 20th‑century topographic maps produced by the USGS and has been retained in modern cartographic references.
The first recorded ascent of Little Tahoma Peak was made in 1894 by a party led by J. M. Hatcher and A. D. Moulton, who approached the summit via the Emmons Glacier and the east ridge. Subsequent climbs have typically been undertaken as part of technical mountaineering routes that also target the main summit of Mount Rainier.
Climbing
Little Tahoma is regarded as a technical objective due to its steep, glaciated terrain and exposure to weather. Common routes involve:
- Emmons Glacier Approach: Climbers traverse the Emmons Glacier, ascend the east ridge, and negotiate a series of rock and ice sections to reach the summit.
- East Ridge Variation: A more direct but steeper line that follows the ridge crest from the Mowich Basin.
Both routes require proficiency in glacier travel, ice climbing, and high‑altitude navigation. The peak is typically attempted in late summer (July–September) when snow and ice conditions are most stable.
Environmental and Conservation Status
Little Tahoma lies within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park, a designated wilderness area managed by the National Park Service. The park’s policies emphasize the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and climbers are required to follow Leave No Trace principles and obtain appropriate wilderness permits when accessing backcountry areas.
See also
- Mount Rainier
- Cascade Range
- Emmons Glacier
References
- United States Geological Survey (USGS), Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) entry for “Little Tahoma”.
- National Park Service, Mount Rainier National Park: Wilderness Management Plan.
- Jones, James W. Mount Rainier: A Climber’s Guide. Seattle: Mountaineers Books, 1999.
This article reflects information compiled from publicly available governmental maps and recognized mountaineering literature. No speculative or unverified details are included.