Intermediate Snowshoe - Castle-Pinnacle Saddle

Trip

Intermediate Snowshoe - Castle-Pinnacle Saddle

If the gate to paradise opens, we will plan to snowshoe from the Paradise parking lot to the Pinnacle-Castle saddle via reflection lake. If the gate remains closed, we will park our cars at Longmire and snowshoe our way to reflection lakes and back.

  • Sun, Jan 8, 2023
  • Seattle Snowshoeing - Intermediate Leader Subcommittee
  • Snowshoeing
  • Intermediate
  • Adults
  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 10.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
  • Pace: Aerobic

6:30 am at South Renton Park and Ride (NW Corner)

Plan A - Paradise to Pinnacle-Castle Saddle
Plan B - Longmire to Reflection Lake
Plan C - Glacier Vista at '92 Road' Sno-park

Link to all above routes on Caltopo. (Plan A is in blue, Plan B in purple, and Plan C in black)

Participant Expectations:

  • All to stick together as a group for our journey to the destination, exploration, and back.
  • Pacing shall be adjusted to accommodate everyone but please self-assess for the above-intended trip plan before registering.
  • All decisions shall be made and discussed with a full group.
  • Speaking up in the outdoors is difficult and I understand that, but I hope to be a friend and that you feel open to chatting or speaking up more. I certainly encourage that.
  • All of my participants have their thinking hats on and be equal participants in route selection and decision-making. 
  • Everyone in the group will take responsibility to read the weather and avalanche forecast and be prepared with avalanche gear if traveling in the backcountry, especially in and out of avalanche terrain.
  • Agree to modify the plan as needed to attain self-care at all times.
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.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Snowshoes
  • Poles
  • Ice axe, Helmet
  • Beacon, Shovel, and Probe (let me know if you don't have one - I can bring extras)
Trip Reports