Pinnacle Saddle from Reflection Lakes

The walk starts at the Reflection Lakes parking area on Stevens Canyon Road, across the road from the largest lake. The Pinnacle Peak Trail climbs gently through thin forest at first and comes out into the open after about 0.7 miles. It then turns rocky and steep, passing under cliffs, and ends at Pinnacle Saddle, 5,920 feet up, with Mount Adams in view to the south. Return the same way.

It is 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip with 950 feet (289 m) of climbing; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Moderate: it is short, but the upper half is steep and rough.

The maintained trail ends at the saddle. The summit of Pinnacle Peak above it is a scramble on loose rock and is not part of this walk. The park warns that the trail can have snow or loose rock on it all summer, and that parts of it run beside steep drop-offs. The saddle lies in a protected research area, so stay on the trail. Pets are not allowed.

Stevens Canyon Road closes for the winter: in 2026 it shuts at 7 a.m. on October 26. Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle for seven days, and the entrance stations take cards only.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.