"Virtual Climb of the Unicorn" Top 5 Page for this destination Mount Rainier National Park Travelogue by mtncorg


Mount Rainier National Park Travel Guide: 267 reviews and 505 photos

Hiking above Snow Lakes under the Horn - Mount Rainier National Park
Hiking above Snow Lakes under the Horn

Unicorn Peak is the apex , the lightning rod of the Tatoosh Range, which lies just south of the huge bulk of Mt Rainier. 6917 ft/2108 m high, the Unicorn is one of the more difficult peaks of the Tatoosh, though with some stamina and basic mountaineering skills, one can manage. From Snow Lakes, you go up the huge boulders on the southwest to a park high above the lakes.

The park at the halfway point of the climb - Mount Rainier National Park

The park at the halfway point of the climb

For this climb, you should take rope, a climbing harness, both a rappel and belay device, a helmet, an ice axe and crampons - if conditions warrant.

Going up the boulder field on the SW corner of the box canyon, you eventually come out to a hanging park at the foot of the snowfields of Unicorn Glacier. Here, Mt Rainier looms to the north. Take your bearings carefully for the snowpass atop the skyline to the SE.

Climbing up to the pass above Unicorn Glacier - Mount Rainier National Park

Climbing up to the pass above Unicorn Glacier

Wander straight up the snow or take a path through the rocky slopes on the east side. Conditions change from year to year and, of course, from season to season. Where you need crampons on one climb, you don't the next.

Summit 'Horn'; Rainier behind - Mount Rainier National Park

Summit 'Horn'; Rainier behind

On reaching the col, obvious boot paths will lead you up to and along the crest to the east. Ahead, only the summit horn remains to be climbed.

Mt Rainier and Snow Lakes from the Horn of Unicorn - Mount Rainier National Park

Mt Rainier and Snow Lakes from the Horn of Unicorn

The climb of the final Horn is only about 50 feet, up volcanic rock of class four. Adrenalin pushes a bit harder with the exposure of 2000 feet on the north side, straight down to the Snow Lakes.

Rappelling of the Horn - Mount Rainier National Park

Rappelling of the Horn

Too soon, it is time to go back. So, a quick rappel off the Horn and ....

Smiles atop the Unicorn Glacier - Mount Rainier National Park

Smiles atop the Unicorn Glacier

..... it is back the way you came. Memories, pictures and tired bodies.

  • Page Written Dec 16, 2003
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Reviews (21)

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  • amandajayne81's Profile Photo
    amandajayne81 Oct 25, 2009 at 2:49 AM Report Abuse

    Awesome photos. Just stunning. I really enjoyed looking at your tips.

  • SteveOSF's Profile Photo
    SteveOSF May 11, 2008 at 3:40 PM Report Abuse

    Excellent page. Great tips and photos. Beautiful park!

  • roamer61's Profile Photo
    roamer61 Mar 30, 2007 at 8:57 AM Report Abuse

    Spectacular scenery. Thanks for sharing.

  • travelfrosch's Profile Photo
    travelfrosch Sep 20, 2006 at 5:29 PM Report Abuse

    Magnificent page! Panorama Point was one of our favorite hiking destinations when we lived out there.

  • chewy3326's Profile Photo
    chewy3326 Jan 6, 2006 at 4:03 PM Report Abuse

    nice page! I really loved Mt. Rainier and it's still one of my favorite places, though I've never climbed the mountain (I hope I will someday!)

  • Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Nemorino Mar 1, 2005 at 1:53 PM Report Abuse

    Fine photos and texts. I really like your mountain pages!

  • cachaseiro's Profile Photo
    cachaseiro Feb 17, 2005 at 6:01 PM Report Abuse

    very nice page mark. a freind of mine from denmark climbed ranier and recommended it to me. it should be a tough climb though.

  • vichatherly's Profile Photo
    vichatherly Aug 5, 2004 at 3:51 PM Report Abuse

    Great pictures of Mount Rainier. Didn't get that close to it on my visit. Cheers for the comments

  • goingsolo's Profile Photo
    goingsolo Jul 9, 2004 at 4:25 AM Report Abuse

    Thanks for the comments. Ranier was great. Fremont was a bit of a challenge, but nothing compared to Ranier, I'm sure. :) Next stop, Yosemite!

  • ophiru's Profile Photo
    ophiru Jul 3, 2004 at 9:11 AM Report Abuse

    Amazing photos and good tips - i am getting new idead for my next trip.

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