However, once you begin the approach, it will be hidden behind a ridge. It is the left-leaning couloir in the center of the face that you can see from the road. This is the most popular climb on the North face. Rappel from here into the Zipper and finish by climbing the last 300 feet of the zipper. Climb straight up until it ends abruptly on a ridge above The Zipper. The line should be obvious as you can see it all the way from the road. Hike accross Tatoosh creek to the northeast corner of the north face. Lovers Lane is the steepest, narrowest, and consequently the most difficult of the routes. Make sure the avalanche forecast is favorable before attempting any of these routes. ![]() Helmets are also a good idea as rocks tend to fall down these couloirs especially when the warm sun is out. New climbers may want the comfort of a 30 meter rope and a few pickets with someone who knows how to set running belays. Depending on the snow conditions, crampons may be necessary. All three are at least 45 degrees and an ice axe is mandatory. Now you must choose which of the three couloirs you will ascend. Cross the creek (look for a snow bridge) and follow along the south side of the creek (flat) until you are directly below the north face. Leave the road and hike gently downhill for 400 feet through the forest to Tatoosh Creek. Hike up to the Stevens Canyon Road and follow it south to the obvious 90 degree bend where the road begins heading east. You will likely have to start at Narada Falls for these routes. The north face of Lane Peak is a complex and beautiful face with three awesome couloirs that make for perfect snow climbs in spring and early summer. North Face Couloirs - Moderate to Steep Snow + Class 3 Lane Peak and its north face from Narada Falls Route Options It's best climbed in spring when you can go up any of the north face couloirs, otherwise in summer you will have to hike to the saddle between Lane and Denman Peaks. The approach to Lane Peak is not on a trail therefore fewer people make the summit of this elusive peak. Once at the 90 degree turn, leave the road and begin hiking down through sparse forest to the south towards Tatoosh Creek. If parked at Reflection Lakes, hike the road west for 1/2 mile and if parked at Narada Falls, hike the road south for a 1/2 mile after the steep 200 foot hike. Whether you start at Narada Falls, or Reflection Lakes, you will have to do about a half-mile of road walking to reach the 90 degree turn where the road begins heading east. A short but steep 200 foot hike to the east gets you to the Stevens Canyon Road. If the road is closed, you can park at the Narada Falls pull out on the east side of the road just before the turnoff for the Paradise Loop Road. Note the Steven's Canyon Road typically doesn't open until around Memorial Day and closes at the first major snowfall of the season usually in mid-October. All routes begin at the Reflection Lake pullout on Steven's Canyon Road which is about 1.5 miles before the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Lane Peak is in the Tatoosh Range south of Mt. Once inside the park, follow the main road east to Longmire and continue east past the turn off to Paradise and onto Steven's Canyon Road. Rainier National Park and drive East about 15 miles to the park entrance. ![]() To reach the West entrance by Longmire, take Highway 7 from Tacoma 35 miles South to Elbe. Rainier National Park at nearly every junction. Turn right and follow this road through Ashford into Mount Rainier National Park. Take SH 7 North to a junction in the small town of Elbe. Take Interstate 5 north to Exit 68 and turn east onto US highway 12 and continue for 30 miles to Morton and State Highway 7.
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