Pinnacle Peak

Packwood, Washington

4.8/5

based on 5 reviews

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Details

Distance

2.84 miles

Elevation Gain

1450.35 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sean Van Dommelen

Pinnacle Peak is a great short hike at 1.3 miles and plenty of elevation gain with 360' views of 3 volcanoes at the top.

This trailhead is easily accessed at the parking lot at Reflection Lakes in Mount Rainier National Park. A short but sweet hike (1.3 miles one way) that leads to beautiful views of Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and if clear enough, Mt. Hood (Oregon).

Pinnacle itself can be climbed to summit but it's an off-trail (class 3-4) scramble up crumbling rock, but well worth it. Just be mindful of your holds and maintain three points of contact at all times.

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Pinnacle Peak Reviews

Explorer

Jared Blitz

Explorer

Pinnacle Peak

11/19/20

I hiked this trail to the saddle after watching sunrise at Reflection Lake. I'd recommend getting to the trailhead by 8am in order to secure parking. The hike itself is completely uphill on a gradual incline. A beginner could handle it, but expect to go slow if you're new to hiking. Otherwise, it's pretty easy to fly up. Don't forget to turn around regularly for tremendous views of Tahoma. In the early light it's gorgeous. Also, this trail has a section over the saddle that's beautiful to hike around when you're done climbing to the peak or just choose not to.

5.0

Katherine Haveman

Explorer

Pinnacle Peak

08/11/17

Great views of Rainier! I would also recommend following the rightmost trial for no more than a half mile for an easy scramble to Plummer Peak if you don't feel up to tackling Pinnacle Peak itself.

4.0

Explorer

Sarah Gooch

Explorer

Pinnacle Peak

08/13/16

If you're looking for classic Mount Rainier views but don't have a lot of time (or even if you do have a lot of time), this hike should definitely be on your list! After the first quarter mile, you begin to move above the trees and get the most breathtaking views of the mountain. The ascent is a steady climb, but it only gets better as you make your way up to the pass; giving you lots of good reasons to stop and take a few pictures/catch your breath.

5.0

Explorer

Tobin Akehurst

Explorer

Pinnacle Peak

08/03/16

Love this one!

5.0

Sean Van Dommelen

Wanderer

Pinnacle Peak

07/28/16

This is a great short hike with awesome views!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Reflection Lakes

Reflection Lakes is located approximately 1 mile east of Inspiration Point just off Steven Canyons Road in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park. Simply park in one of the pullouts at the lakes and enjoy the scenery. Reflection Lakes can also be accessed via the Wonderland Trail.Try to catch the lakes early morning or evening when the water is still. If the sky is clear you’ll ...

Lakes Trail Loop

The Lakes Trail Loop can be accessed two ways. You can either start in Paradise and find one of the multiple points along the Skyline Trail or you can begin at Reflection Lake. My recommendation for a nice day hike is to begin at Reflection Lake. If you arrive by 8am you should have an easy time finding a parking space. Even better, if you show up for sunrise you will find yourself able to enj...

Wonderland Trail

NOTE: The northwest section of the Wonderland Trail is currently inaccessible due to the permanent closure of the Carbon River entrance and Fairfax Bridge. Hikers should plan alternate start and end points, such as Sunrise or Longmire, to avoid the closed area. Possibly one of the greatest loop hikes in the Lower 48, this trail sees a lot of use. You won't be alone out there, but opportunitie...

Ski Tour to The Castle & Pinnacle Peak

Enter Mount Rainier National Park via the Nisqually Entrance outside of Ashford. Drive past Longmire and continue heading up towards Paradise. Parking for this trip can be found at Narada Falls. From the Narada Falls parking lot you will head up to the closed for the winter portion of Stevens Canyon Road on the hill above the parking area. You will likely see some tracks going up the steep fac...

Castle Peak

Start this route at the Narada Falls Parking lot. This route starts by following Stevens Canyon Road until you arrive at Reflection Lakes after 1.5 miles. About halfway along the lakeshore a path breaks off to the right into the forest. This is a popular route so there is often a snowshoe path beaten in (during winter season). Follow the path, or if there is not one, find your own way through t...

Narada Falls

Narada Falls is a stunning 188-foot cascading waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Situated along Paradise Road, this picturesque waterfall offers visitors a breathtaking view of water plunging over a volcanic rock face, creating a misty spectacle that captures the raw beauty of the Cascade Range. Easy to access from the main park road, Narada Falls is a must-see dest...

Pinnacle Peak

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Pinnacle Peak Reviews

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Explore Reflection Lakes

Lakes Trail Loop

Wonderland Trail

Ski Tour to The Castle & Pinnacle Peak

Castle Peak

Narada Falls

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