Pinnacle, Plummer, Denman, Lane & The Castle

getting there

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park. In early season, park at Narada Falls parking lot between Longmire and Paradise on the Nisqually Longmire Road. Later in the season when the snow has melted, park at the Reflection Lakes parking lot and the Pinnacle Peak trailhead.

Approach

castle-pinnacle saddle (6,200 ft)

In early season snowshoe up to gain the road to Reflection Lakes and traverse on it to the base of Pinnacle Peak. Later in the season, leave from Reflection Lakes and hike as much of the Pinnacle Peak Trail as possible. 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. This is a great area for snow climbing and ice axe arrest training.

pinnacle-plummer saddle (5,940 ft)

In early season snowshoe up to gain the road to Reflection Lakes and traverse on it to the base of Pinnacle Peak. Later in the season, leave from Reflection Lakes and hike as much of the Pinnacle Peak Trail as possible. Gain the the Pinnacle-Plummer Saddle to the west of Pinnacle Peak. Watch for avalanche conditions while passing under the west face of Pinnacle.

Ascent Route

pinnacle peak/south route (6,562 ft)

Alpine Scramble, Difficulty: Strenuous 2, Technical 5

From the Castle-Pinnacle Saddle: Traverse on the backside west to summit Pinnacle Peak via the south route. Ascent up the gully is straightforward, but be wary loose rock. Helmets are definitely a must.
From the Pinnacle-Plummer Saddle: Turn east and ascend steep snow slopes or scree to the ascent gully. From the top of the gully, ascend through trees to the summit.

the castle/east route (6,444 ft)

Basic Climb, Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb

From Pinnacle Peak: Descend the Pinnacle Peak ascent gully and traverse east on the south side of the ridge to reach the South Rib of The Castle. Scramble a short (35-40 ft) Class 3 section to gain the east flanks of The Castle and access to the summit block. The route ascends on the east flanks up and right to reach the top of the face. A handline may be warranted. Traverse on easy ground to reach the true summit once the crest has been gained.
From Castle-Pinnacle Saddle: Scramble to the South Rib of The Castle and then a short (35-40 ft) Class 3 section to gain the east flanks of The Castle and access to the summit block. The route ascends on the east flanks up and right to reach the top of the face. A handline may be warranted. Traverse easy ground to reach the true summit once the crest has been gained.
Alternate Route: A less technical route exists on the west face of the Castle, but this route also has significantly more exposure. Cross through the col, descend slightly, then traverse north before ascending a gully to reach the summit crest.

Plummer Peak (6,370 ft)

Alpine Scramble: Strenuous 2, Technical 1

From the Pinnacle-Plummer Saddle: Take easy slopes west thru trees to the summit of Plummer Peak.

Denman Peak (6,006 ft)

Alpine Scramble: Strenuous 2, Technical 2

From the Pinnacle-Plummer Saddle:  Travel west along a trail past Plummer Peak to the base of the southeast ridge of Denman Peak at 5,800 ft. Ascend the west side of ridge (climber's left) on easy terrain to the wooded summit of Denman Peak.  

Lane Peak (6,012 ft)

Alpine Scramble, Difficulty: Strenuous 2, Technical 5

Basic Climb, Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb

From the Pinnacle-Plummer Saddle: Follow a bootpath on the south side of the ridge that heads west toward the saddle between Lane and Denman Peaks above Cliff Lake. Descend 600 feet to the Lane-Dennman saddle (~5,400 ft), head west and then northwest toward the Lane Peak looking for a faint boot path that heads to a prominent gully. Climb up the steep gully on Lane Peak's east flank on well-worn rock, loose rock but good handholds. At the top of the gully, turn left and head to the summit.

Notes

• If peaks are combine the difficulty is Strenuous 3.

• Suitable Activities: Climbing, Scrambling
• Climbing Category: Basic Alpine
• Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: *Varies*
• Length: 7.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
• High Point: 6,562 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