Pinnacle Peak & The Castle (Winter)

getting there

From the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, drive the plowed road past Longmire  to the Narada Falls  parking lot which is kept plowed each winter.

In winter, ALL drivers in the park are required to carry snow chains or equivalent traction devices—this includes those with a 4-wheel or  all-wheel drive vehicle. Those without a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle may be required to install them at Longmire or beyond.

approach & ascent

castle-pinnacle saddle (6,100 ft)

Snowshoe up to gain the road to Reflection Lakes and traverse on it to the base of Pinnacle Peak. Ascend the ridge directly north of Pinnacle Peak before dodging left (east) into the basin between Pinnacle and The Castle. Gain the Pinnacle-Castle saddle. Skiers enjoy some yo-yo skiing in the basin before returning to your cars. It's 6 miles rounf trip and 1,400 feet of elevation gain.

pinnacle peak/south route (6,562 ft)

From the Narada Falls parking lot, follow the Paradise Road to Reflection Lake. Find the Pinnacle trailhead, and ascend to the Pinnacle-Plummer saddle. Watch for avalanche conditions while passing under the west face of Pinnacle. From the saddle, turn east and ascend steep snow slopes to the ascent gully. From the top of the gully, ascend through trees to the summit. Depending on conditions, one or two roped pitches gain the summit. Descend by rappelling the gully. Bring pickets for the snow slopes and maybe one or two small cams for the gully. An ice tool can be helpful. Crampons and snowshoes or skis may be required. It's 6.0 miles round trip and 2,200 feet of elevation gain.

the castle/East Ridge (6,440 ft)

ski route

See the "Resources" tab below for a map, elevation profile, and trip segments for the best ski route.

• Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Climbing, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski
• Length: 6.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
• High Point: 6,100 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Rainier National Park
  Mount Rainier Wilderness
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12