Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail

Route Description for Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail

The Pinnacle Peak Saddle hike is a fantastic outing in Mount Rainier National Park that only takes a few hours and rewards hikers with views of Mount Rainier itself. This hike offers the chance to continue from the summit along other trails in the area to further explore the Pinnacle area.

The insects can be bothersome on this trail, especially during summer, so we advise a generous application of bug spray before departing. Begin from the signed trailhead across the road from the biggest Reflection Lake. The trail climbs at a steady, moderate grade through a patchy forest. Once you’ve hiked about a 0.8 km, take a look for partial views of Mount Rainier through the trees. You’ll walk beside a stream at 1.0 km and then break out of the trees at 1.1 km.

Continue along the rocky trail, hiking underneath cliffs at 1.4 km and beginning to switchback at 1.6 km. Continue towards the obvious saddle. At 2.0 km, you’ll crest the saddle, earning views of open meadows, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier on clear days. Mount Adams, like Mount Rainier, is a stratovolcano that is not yet considered extinct, making the views that much more interesting. The wide saddle leads to other trails through the area, so if you’re keen to keep exploring and have a map or GPS at the ready, you can extend your day along these paths.

When you’re ready, simply return the same way you came.
Hiking Route Highlights

Mount Adams

Mount Adams, known by some Native American tribes as Pahto or Klickitat, is a potentially active volcano in the Cascade Range of Washington State. Although Adams has not erupted in more than 1,000 years, it is not considered extinct. It is the second-highest mountain in Washington after Mount Rainier.

Insider Hints for Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail

• If you continue along the ridge a bit, you can follow the network of trails that cover this area. We recommend having GPS at the ready if you choose to do this.
• The Reflection Lakes parking area only accommodates about 35 cars, so arrive early.
• There are no facilities in the parking lot.
• Users report bothersome bugs on this trail during the summer months. Bring bug spray!
• Hiking poles are helpful for some of the rockier sections of this hike.