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    Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1.5-2h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    3.9 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    322 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
    Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail

    The Pinnacle Peak Saddle trail offers a lofty viewpoint over the Paradise area with only moderate effort required. With no technical challenges and a consistent steady incline, it offers a great quick workout with views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams to reward you.

    The Pinnacle Peak Saddle trail is a great way to access a network of trails in the area- just look for the interconnecting tracks at the summit, or continue further along the ridge from the pinnacle of this hike.

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    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.

    Getting to the Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail Trailhead

    To reach the Pinnacle Peak Saddle trailhead from the west entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, drive 24.1 km on State Route 706 to a junction with Stevens Canyon Road. Go right, then continue 2.4 km to the parking area for Reflection Lakes. The trailhead is across the road from the largest lake.

    If you’re coming from the east entrance, take Stevens Canyon Road west for 29.0 km to the parking area.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      May-October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail Elevation Graph

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    Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail Reviews

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