Pinnacle Peak & The Castle

Trip

Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Pinnacle Peak & The Castle

Overnight snow camping at Reflection lakes with skiing in the Tatoosh

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 12.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,000 ft
  • Pace: Moderate

Narada Falls Parking lot, 10 AM

46.7750861649, -121.746726716

Each vehicle will need a park pass or to pay the park entrance fee.

For carpooling,  please use this tool
http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/ih40oa

Overnight snow camping trip.  

We will park at Narada Falls  and carry full packs up to Reflection Lakes and make a snow camp.  The camp will use 4 season tents or similar quick to erect shelters.   We will NOT take the time to create snow shelters  like igloos or snow caves which take hours to construct.

Also note that due to the popularity of this destination both summer and winter,  please come prepared to "pack it all out", not only all garbage, but feces and TP in "blue bags" 

From there we will ski slopes to the south of the lake in the Tatoosh, e.g.  Castle Saddle.  Exact routes with be dependent on weather, snow and avalanche  conditions and group consensus.

Note:  Forecast of a winter storm warning,  freezing level above 5000ft, freezing rain, high winds or high avalanche forecast from NWAC will cancel the trip.

Additional Info:

My Touring Tips
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ORz50-KICoi6mhjK2LsNFTqCrf3MpxuCYJsxm61dZ0k/edit?usp=sharing

My day touring ski pack contents:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tZvHTlJXqYwxn0sF7adqf5SWEqIXgFY5ELi-nQjfjfg/edit?usp=sharing

My Driving Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zJFjWZQ5HXp8UE5pIgKP3ZwursgV_TmkaBGMWRYwN_s/edit?usp=sharing

My Carpooling Tips:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rw46O5vpvOYh6Ouo5kDIk0ENAtunc4ZdGw6oYKZAvSM/edit?usp=sharing


Route/Place

Pinnacle Peak & The Castle



  • USGS Mt Rainier East

    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270

    Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
  • See full route/place details.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Boots, skis/splitboard, poles
  • Climbing skins 
  • Avalanche shovel (metal blade)
  • Avalanche beacon (two or three antenna digital beacon)
  • Avalanche probe
  • 20 degree or warmer sleeping bag 
  • Full length sleeping pad(s) with combined R-value of at least 3.

    We will also need to coordinate on shared gear like 4 season tents, stoves and cooking gear. 
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