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Although not the highest of the Tatoosh peaks, Pinnacle's central position and attractive form have made it the most popular ascent in the park. When the Mazamas climbed it on July 26, 1897, they dubbed it the "Matterhorn of the Cascades. From Fred Beckey's Cascade Alpine Guide, Volume I
The standard round up is an easy fourth class pitch of a south facing gully. This route takes the more challenging east face. Expect about three pitches of 5th class rock, the second pitch being 5.6.
Suggested gear: 4-5 medium to small nuts, 2-3 cams to 2.5 inches, 60m rope
Activity Notes
Pinnacle Peak is a wonderful climb in the Tatoosh Range. We will get views of Mount Rainier as soon as we are out of the woods and certainly on the summit (fingers crossed for clear skies).
We will approach via the winter route, fairly straight up towards the saddle between Pinnacle and Castle Peak. We might encounter some steep snow towards the end an will have Crampons and Ice Axes for protection. (Note: Leaders will monitor the weather. With this year being low in snow, we might consider the Pinnacle Summer Trail).
We will park our packs and gear at the saddle, put harnesses on, and make our way towards the start of the climb. Two pitches of fun alpine rock and a final scramble to the summit. On the descent, we will do a long rappel before getting back on trail and picking up our packs. We will descent the way we came.
This is a great climb for BCEP grads with strong rock skills. Though, I invite everyone with a heart for the Tatoosh to join us :)
What happens after you apply?
Application will close on May 27th. Afterwards the leader will review all applications and make a decision on the climb team. Your status will show as "Awaiting Approval".
Status: Accepted? Congrats! The adventure awaits :) (Note: If something gets in the way, please notify the leader immediately so other climbers can have your spot.)<br> A mandatory Zoom Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 9th to discuss the details.
Status: Waitlisted? Unfortunately, the climb is full. However, if someone would be to cancel, you are the first in line.
Status: Not selected? Unfortunately, the climb is full. I hope to climb with you next time!
Status: Canceled? The climb got canceled, often due to weather, the leader being unavailable, etc.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 160 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 3 hours |
| General Route Info | summitpost: https://www.summitpost.org/east-ridge/156348 |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Interesting Features | Spectacular Views |
| Relevant Books | Cascade Alpine Guide: Columbia River to Stevens Pass by Fred Beckey 75 Scrambles in Washington by Peggy Goldman |
| Relevant Maps | USGS 7 minute series, Tatoosh Lakes and Mt. Rainier East; Green Trails: Mt Rainier East / Packwood <href="http: "="" adventure="" c463="" starts-here="" title="On the Mazama Climbing and Hiking map page " www.mazamas.org="" your="">On the Mazama Climbing and Hiking map page <href="http: maps.google.com="" maps?f="q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=plummer+Peak+WA&sll=48.98385,-120.856519&sspn=0.016532,0.04549&ie=UTF8&ll=46.754093,-121.737099&spn=0.017259,0.04549&t=p&z=15"" title="Google map">Google map</href="http:></href="http:> |
| Useful Links | Map |
