Pinnacle Peak Trail

Pinnacle Peak packs a surprising punch for such a short outing. Starting from the Reflection Lakes parking area along the Stevens Canyon Road, the trail wastes no time gaining elevation through subalpine meadows before transitioning to a rocky scramble across talus fields. The final push to the saddle near the summit involves genuine hand-over-rock scrambling that will get your heart rate up and your attention focused. Your reward is a jaw-dropping panorama of Mount Rainier's south face, the Tatoosh Range stretched out like a granite spine, and on clear days, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens floating on the horizon. The wildflower meadows in the lower sections explode with color in late July and August. This trail is perfect for hikers who want alpine drama without committing to an all-day death march — you can be back at your car in under two hours.