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Day Hike - Pinnacle Peak Park

Our weather was excellent for a short, but steep climb to the lookout on Pinnacle Peak. We hiked the road and trails to the top and then down the back side in what I would consider an unsafe and unauthorized trail.

Dan Miller Dan Miller
April 10, 2026
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • The route is a mix of established gravel road and established trails coming from the trailhead off of SE Mud Mountain Road. The "trail" leading down toward the south could be challenging in raining conditions and for many hikers. One hiker in my group is a retired Oregon State forester and said this trail would not be authorized in most federal forests. Once that trail meets up with the regular trails, the route become very suitable.

It is obviously a popular location with many hikers, families with their children and/or dogs, and a few trail runners. The trailhead off SE Mud Mountain Road is in very good condition with a nice pit toilet, if there can be such a thing. Parking is plentiful and odes not cost a fee or require a pass. At the top is the former fire lookout that is open to the public with benches inside and a grate deck around the outside. The views are limited due to tree growth around the perimeter of the hill. There are several short trails that go out and then rejoin the main trail several yards further down the trail. If nothing else, they can be used to lengthened your hike. This could be used as conditioner if you hike up and down more than once.