Pinnacle Peak Trail (Mount Rainier) Hiking Guide
Pinnacle Peak Trail climbs from Reflection Lakes into the Tatoosh Range, the jagged ridge facing Mount Rainier across the Paradise valley. It is short but steep, ending at a saddle with one of the best close-up views of the mountain in the park. Expect loose rock and lingering snow even in summer. The trailhead sits on Stevens Canyon Road, which closes for winter in fall.
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park charges an entrance fee of $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person 16 and older arriving on foot or bike, each valid for 7 consecutive days. The $55 Mount Rainier annual pass and America the Beautiful passes are accepted; Washington's Discover Pass is not. Entrance stations take cards only. The park is not using timed-entry reservations anywhere in 2026. Day hikes need no permit; a wilderness permit is required for any overnight camping.
Short and Steep
The park gives 2.5 miles round trip and 1,050 feet of gain, about two hours of hiking; its Paradise page says 2.6 miles. The trail starts gently from the south side of Stevens Canyon Road at the Reflection Lakes parking area, then turns into a steep climb to the 5,920-foot saddle where the maintained trail ends.
From the Saddle
Pinnacle Peak itself, 6,562 feet and the third-highest summit in the Tatoosh, rises above the saddle; the trail does not go to the top. From the saddle you look north at Mount Rainier and Paradise, and south to Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, with Mount Hood on the horizon on clear days. Pikas and marmots live in the rock fields along the way.
Footing and Drop-Offs
The park warns that this trail can have snow or loose rock all summer and that some sections skirt steep drop-offs. In October that means a frozen patch on the upper switchbacks can turn a quick hike into a slow one. Boots with good tread and trekking poles help on the descent, which is harder on the knees than the climb.
Butter Creek Research Natural Area
Just past the saddle the trail meets the edge of the Butter Creek Research Natural Area, kept as a pristine study site and closed to the public except under a scientific research permit. In 2026 the park also put an emergency closure on the area south of the trail to the park boundary because of the Plummer Peak Fire; the park listed Pinnacle Peak Trail itself as open as of August 31, 2026. Turn around at the saddle and don't drop into the basin beyond.
Reflection Lakes and the Road Season
Reflection Lakes is 3 miles east of Paradise on Stevens Canyon Road, and the trailhead lot is shared with visitors stopping for a glimpse of the mountain reflected in the water. Stevens Canyon Road closes for winter, usually in late October; check the park's road status page. After that, the lakes can be reached only by snowshoe or ski from Paradise, and the climb to the saddle becomes avalanche terrain.
Hiking tips for Pinnacle Peak Trail (Mount Rainier)
- Bring poles for the steep, loose descent from the saddle.
- Stop at the saddle; the research area beyond is closed to the public.
- Check Stevens Canyon Road status before driving in late October.
- Watch the edges where the trail skirts steep drop-offs.
- Pair it with a sunrise stop at Reflection Lakes, steps from the trailhead.
Nearby trails to explore
- Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
- Skyline Trail Loop (Paradise, Mount Rainier)
- Carter and Madcap Falls Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Pinnacle Peak packs a steep climb and a huge view into a couple of hours, a good outing for a small group. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Reflection Lakes and plan the day together. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.