Pinnacle Peak, East Ridge

Activity Notes

The plan is to start from the Reflection Lakes Trailhead in Rainier National Park.  We'll leave at 7 AM and hike on snow, using crampons and ice axes as needed on the approach.  When we reach the saddle between Pinnacle and Castle Peaks we'll leave our packs and climb Pinnacle over two pitches (top rope on Pitch 1, fixed line for Pitch 2).  The first pitch has some spots up to 5.6 grade, but this can generally be done with mountaineering boots.  With good weather we'll take in the view of Mt. Ranier to the north, then rappelling down the southwest route and hike back to our packs.  We'll return via the same route back to the trailhead.  Round trip is about 3 miles with roughly 1600' of elevation. This is a great climb for recent BCEP graduates, utilizing both snow travel and rock skills.   I plan to have campsites at the Cougar Rock campground in the park Friday night.  Climbers can come up and camp or meet the team at the trailhead Saturday morning.  Cost for the campsites will be shared among those who opt to camp. Note: Vehicle entry into Mount Rainier National Park is $30 per car (this is good for 7 days).  Please keep the park fee and camping costs in mind when deciding to apply.  Given our start times, there should not be a need for a Timed Entry Reservation. I'll notify who is selected by May 24.