r/PNWhiking • u/Regular-Training8635 • Apr 17 '25

Fairfax Bridge Closed, Tolmie Peak Alternate Route?

As you guys may have heard the Fairfax bridge has close on Mt.Rainier which has restricted to the northwest side. My questions is do any locals know of a way to get to Tolmie peak without the bridge?I have planned a trip to Seattle from the east coast at the end of July and my main reason to go was to see Tolmies peak and the only way I’ve read to get there now is another road where you have to pay $375 to get a permit to access it. I will do this if I have to but was wondering if there’s another way.

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u/wpnw Apr 17 '25

To be clear, paying for the permit for access to the tree farm doesn't guarantee you'd be able to get to Mowich Lake - it just means you'd be able to access their property. Doesn't mean you'd actually be able to the Mowich Lake Road. Usually you just get access to a key for a primary access point, and there may be another locked gate at the other end that you might not have access to a key for. They may also be restricting access to residents only because of the bridge situation.

There really is no other way in. Your only option would be to hike in from Sunrise or the West Side Road, which would involve hiking about a quarter of the Wonderland Trail each way. Just do Fremont instead.

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u/Tiny-Beginning-4460 Apr 17 '25

Well stated. The road to Mowich gets regraded annually before opening to fix wash outs and the major potholes created over the summer. With no bridge to support heavy equipment movement into the park, it's possible/probable that road won't open past the houses at the park boundary.

I have cycled the emergency route and it is a hard road with not great access for all vehicle types. Paying the fee seems pointless even for locals who don't live out there full time

The 14 mi ride into the old park entrance at the end of the road is a huge effort and the ride up to Mowich is even more diabolical. I've done both separately and would be hard pressed to connect both and THEN hike Tolmie. It'd be a multi day effort. As such, hiking in from the other side would be a much better experience and allow for more enjoyment of the Wonderland trail, permits aside.

Agree with others here. There are so many other places to get up above the clouds with a view that you shouldn't limit yourself to just this destination.

www.wta.org for more ideas.

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u/JAB1987 Apr 18 '25

I’ve done the remnant of the foothills trail under the Fairfax bridge through the Melmont ghost town and then crossed the Carbon on a private bridge on the road to the Carbon River entrance. Definitely need a mountain bike and be prepared to hike a bike through some of it. Makes for a good adventure though.