Looking for a short hike with awesome views of Mt. Rainier and exercise too? Head up to Mt Rainier NP and take the 1.2 mile trail up to the saddle at Pinnacle Peak. The trailhead is located directly across the road from Reflection Lakes. Spectacular and unique views of the mountain await. Here's a view from the saddle. I purposely have hikers in the photo to provide perspective.
Pretty neat, huh! Although the trail is well maintained and navigable for most hikers, it is steep - climbing 1,100 feet over a mile. If you look closely at the image that follows, you can see the Paradise Visitors Center in the treed area directly below the mountain and Nisqually Glacier.
Once you reach the saddle, maintained trails end and you will see "hiker/climber" trails headed in all directions. Be careful if you want to continue on since most of these trails can be very dangerous. I had originally intended to head west on to Plummer Peak but not this day with a steep snowfield still blocking my way. I was not prepared for climbing this day. One good place to explore near the saddle is the area directly south where several "family" trails lead. Great views of Mt. Adams from here and some tarns too. Here are a couple of views.
Sunset up here can be a real treat.
Be sure to take your headlamp for the hike back down. It can get dark quickly, particularly in tree covered parts of the trail - which is most of it. Enjoy!
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