Day Hike - Pinnacle Saddle

The original plan was to accomplish this loop in a counter-clockwise manner and reach Pinnacle Saddle early in the loop. However, it was foggy with low visibility; so, the route was reversed and we started clockwise along the High Lakes woodland trail, first. In the open meadows of the High Lakes trail there were an impressive amount of wildflowers in bloom. A family of black-tail deer crossed our trail as we approached Faraway Rock.  From the Faraway Rock viewpoint, Reflection Lakes appeared and then disappeared in the swirling fog.  A marmot and her pup sat along the edge of the busy road as we continued along the Wonderland trail past Reflection Lakes. As we ascended the Pinnacle Peak trail, it was mostly sunny.  The talus slopes along the trail produced marmot's whistles and pika's peeps. Both were often seen perched on boulders overlooking our route. At Pinnacle Saddle we found ample spaces for a seated lunch stop to admire the peaks and billowy clouds south of the saddle.  Mount Rainier remained its mysterious self but still gargantuan when momentarily revealing itself.