Plummer Peak

Decided to find a trail opposite Ranier, and after a good drive into the national park chose Pinnacle Peak trail.  Got very lucky for a 4 hour window where the weather broke.  The scramble from the saddle to the top of Plummer Peak was moderate, and ended up with one of my best 5 views ever.  I was even able to watch the weather come back in over Ranier, and knew enough to get back to the trailhead before the rains came.  The hike is only strenuous because it gaines quite a bit of elevation in a short time, but pretty easy footing.  I would do the exact same hike again, and spend 2 hours at the top if the weather permitted.   Don't miss this one if you're in the Ranier area.

I have been to the top of Pinnacle Peak (pictured) at least 3 times.  Too old now.  Up the first time with a friend (age 30+), the second time with my sons who thought I was dogging it (age 40+) as they flew right up the scramble, and a third time with a lady friend from work (age 45+) who had to be boosted at a few points but was glad I egged her to the top for one of the best views of the world, bar none.  I have photos to prove it from before digital camera days.  Next time I go to the saddle will be with the wife for a second attempt and, with any luck, we will have enough time and good enough weather to head east from the saddle and a couple miles out to see what goes on down ridge.  It is a great day hike.  Mt Goats can be found up there.  Bring some snacks for the chipmonks and a camera and binoculars for sure.

My wife and I hiked this trail on 9-1-07 and it is breathtaking.  The earlier reviewer nailed it when he said it offers the best views in the area...detached from the slopes and close enough to take every detail of her majesty Rainier.  We thought we were in pretty good shape til that thin air convinced us otherwise....hard to train for this in the midwest where we live.  On this particular day we saw Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens as well...it was an amazing view on a picture perfect day.  By the way if the weather permits when you are at the top....stop for a while and take it in...that is why you make the trip.  Be careful if you decide to summit Pinnacle as the trail is not maintained beyond the saddle and you should probably have some experience hiking over scree  and loose rock.  I wish I could get everyone up there at least once....I guarantee some attitudes about taking care of our land would change.  Trails like this one are a blessing.

My girlfriend and I had planned to do this hike on vacation last summer.  We wanted to go in July, but because of work conflicts, we ended up going the last week of June ('06).  We expected there to be snow around, but by the time we made it to Paradise we realized the trail was still covered in deep snow.  We figured out pretty quickly it was a no go until later in the season.    This is probably obvious to those who've spent a lot of time on Rainier, but I had forgotten how late the snow hangs around up there.   I'd recommend going in late summer, which is what we will do next year.