Naches Peak Loop
2 days ago
Fall colors are spectacular
16 this month · 117 reports
Pinnacle Saddle
Mount Rainier Area
updated 2 days ago
The trail to Pinnacle Saddle is currently showcasing vibrant fall colors, as reported on September 23. The trail is in good condition and snow-free, with the road to the trailhead suitable for all vehicles. There are no significant bug issues reported. Hikers have noted the presence of pikas foraging in the rocky sections, and marmots have also been seen along the trail. The hike is described as short but steep, with a rewarding, spectacular view on clear days. Some sections near the saddle involve rocky terrain and switchbacks, which might be challenging for young children or those not confident with scrambling. Parking at Reflection Lakes can fill up, especially later in the day, so an early start is recommended.
Generated from 36 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Pinnacle Saddle
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the trailhead is reported as suitable for all vehicles as of September 23. There have been no reports of issues with the road access in recent trip reports.
The trail is generally in good condition, though some sections near the saddle are rocky and involve switchbacks, which may not be suitable for very young children. One report from July 29 mentioned slightly awkward spots to climb over near the end of the Plummer Peak path, but these were not considered dangerous.
Parking at Reflection Lakes can be full by late morning, with one report from September 16 noting it was full by 11:45 AM. However, parking was ample at 9:00 AM on that day, and plentiful at 5:40 PM on September 6.
Yes, wildlife is frequently reported. Pikas are actively foraging for winter, and marmots have been observed along the trail. One report from September 16 also mentioned seeing a chipmunk.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh2 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
The trail to Pinnacle Saddle is in full color. It's a short steep hike with a big reward. The pikas are foraging for winter in the rocky sections and the view is spectacular on a clear day. This one i...
Fresh2 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
When I passed Reflection Lakes at 8:30, on my way to Bench and Snow Lakes, the parking was full. Plenty of space at Bench and Snow, by the way. At 11:30, there was some available parking at Reflection...
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Arrived at Reflections Lake parking at 9am on this Wednesday, ample parking (full by 11:45). First time on this trail. Hiked solo but notreally. Not crowded but I probably passed fellow hikers every 5...
Recent2 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
DO NOT trust Apple Maps. Even if you are looking at the correct Pinnacle Peak Trail. If you click "Directions", it will route you to a different Pinnacle Peak Trail, which is close enough that if you...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
OurTacoma Mountaineers Hiking & Backpackinggroup was headed to Pinnacle Peak Saddle today.We were supposed to be heading upPinnacle Peak Saddle, but Mt. Rainier had other plans for us last night.As a ...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Great hike with a view to the south. The most pikas we’ve ever seen! Thunder and lightning storm.
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
I did the Pinnacle Saddle down to the southern most point as well as Plummer Peak. I also explored part of the way towards Denman Peak/Cliff Lake and went partway up Pinnacle Peak.The way to the saddl...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Decided to get a quick morning hike in before a wedding in Packwood.We arrived at the trailhead around 7:45a. Parking was about half full then. It was quite smokey, with low clouds on our drive, but i...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
We had a lovely morning hike to Pinnacle Saddle! It was our first time on this trail, and even after reading lots of reports and watching some videos, we didn’t really know what we were getting oursel...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Bottom Line:This trail was virtually deserted, likely due to the heavy smoke. But my thinking was that the smoke would enhance the sunset, so I have it a go. Skies were definitely hazy, and I initiall...