Pinnacle Peak/East Ridge
This is an exploratory ridge climb up a classic summit in the Tatoosh Range prominent from the visitors center at Paradise. It could be climbed as a carry-over descending the south side scramble route.
getting there
From the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, drive the road past Longmire and take the
Stevens Canyon road to the Reflection Lakes TH.
approach & ascent
the castle/East Ridge (6,440 ft)
Follow the approach to the Castle-Pinnacle Saddle, and then put harnesses and helmets on. This is a somewhat loose ridge climb, with 3/4th class sections and some blocky mid-5th class portions. It would be up to each party to determine how much to scramble and where to belay. There are three pitches - pitch 1 climbs 4th class terrain up to a ledge with a large dead tree. Pitch 2 is the a blocky mid-5th class technical crux with an exciting exposed traverse, to an obvious sandy belay bench with a rappel anchor. The 3rd pitch flattens out and could be scrambled or climbed with running belays depending on the party comfort level. This pitch ends at the summit.
descent route
Either descend to the top of the second pitch and rappel the south face from the anchor, or continue over the summit and descend the south side scramble route (helpful if leaders have done the scramble before, it's blocky down climbing, with fairly low exposure). Traverse east and return to the Castle-Pinnacle Saddle. In early season this traverse may require axes so be prepared to carry them on the climb.
trip profile
SEGMENT TIME (HR) ELEVATION GAIN (FT)
Trailhead to Castle-Pinnacle Ssddle 2-3 hours, 1500'
Saddle to Summit 2 hours, 300'
Summit to Trailhead 3 hours
EQUIPMENT
Standard rock gear with a few small to medium chocks. An ice axe for the approach in early season.
- Suitable Activities: Climbing
- Climbing Category: Rock Climb
- Seasons: June, July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- View avalanche forecast.
- Difficulty: Basic Experience Climb, Strenuous 1, Technical 2, Basic Rock Climb
- Length: 6.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
- 6,100 ft
-
Land Manager:
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier Wilderness
- Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- USGS Mt Rainier East
- Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
- Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Castle-Pinnacle Saddle
- Pinnacle Peak/South Route
- The Castle/East Ridge
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