Sunset at the Pinnacle Glacier Tarn in Mount Rainier National Park

Four years ago, the Pinnacle Glacier Tarn at Mount Rainier exploded onto the scene and became a sought-after destination. Years later, it is still luring hikers in from all over. On a recent trip, I met a couple from Washington, D.C., and another group of gals with a strong European accent. It’s safe to say that people want to check out this beautiful spot.

But, the route the European gals took, coming from the top and via a much more dangerous route that requires descending steep and rocky terrain, could be hazardous. I debated even writing this, but to promote safety, I wanted people to know how to visit from the correct trail. If you’re set on doing something, you might as well do it in the safest possible way.

Overall, I found it a decent trail to follow, though it did have me panting pretty hard on the way up. (Going from zero to six thousand feet in a matter of hours will do that.) If you take your time and are trail-smart, you’ll soon enjoy one of the best views in Washington.

a hiker in a yellow jacket stands in front of mount rainier with a reflection in the pinnacle glacier tarn — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

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Hiking to the Pinnacle Glacier Tarn

Pinnacle Glacier Tarn Trail Details:

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain 1,100 feet
Off Trail, bushy, narrow
Time it took me to hike up: 45 minutes
Trailhead: Pinnacle Peak (Reflection Lake parking area)

Click to see my route.
If you play my route through, the route I took coming down is accurate. It is just beyond a creek crossing at about the 0.5 to 0.6 mark on the AllTrails Route.

I took the black route from the main trail and then linked up with the green. I did see a faint trail where it connects near the top, but I wanted to spend more time on the actual trail if possible.

How to Safely Get There

As I mentioned above, many people are unsure of the exact route and choose to hike up to the Pinnacle Peak Saddle and then come down the steep slope behind the tarn. This is unnecessary and much harder/dangerous.

You can read plenty of reviews about how the trail down to the water is “sketchy.”

There’s a safer way, though not exactly a breeze.

At around the 0.5/0.6-mile mark on the main trail, you’ll cross a small creek that may be dried up. Cross that, and soon after, you’ll see a very faint trail on the left-hand side in the bushes. This is your trail to the Pinnacle Glacier Tarn.

a mountain view with trees and a small pond near mount rainier — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

bear grass with mount rainier in the background — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The next half mile involves ascending a narrow trail with plenty of bushes and trees on both sides. But once you cross through a drainage, the path opens up, and you’ll be on the well-worn route. Some portions are pretty steep, and if you go after a rain or with snow melt, it’ll be muddy and slippery.

Final push to the top

Around the one-mile mark will be a flat area with some bear grass, and you’ll see a rocky slope to your right (west). Go up that. There’s a faint path for parts. Be careful, as some of the rocks are not secured. Once at the top, keep traversing the ridge towards your left. In five minutes, you’ll have reached the Pinnacle Glacier Tarn and have incredible views.

Best Photography Views

There are two spots to take photos. The first is in front of the main tarn, which should have a perfect reflection. You’ll want a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene with Mount Rainier behind it.

a view of the pinnacle glacier tarn at mount rainier national park — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The second spot is behind the lake, where you can get a full view of the area. Depending on when you go, you’ll likely have to walk over 10 feet of snow to get to the rocks behind.

a hiker raises his hands for a photo at the pinnacle glacier tarn at mount rainier — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Other Things to Know About the Pinnacle Glacier Tarn

Timed entry permits still apply

The Reflection Lake area is under the Paradise Timed Entry Permits, which means you cannot enter without a pass from 7am-3pm during the summer months. (Ends September 2nd.)

Melts Out Late in the Summer

Summer starts in July, but this area melts out much later because it is on a north-facing slope and in a pretty big shadow. I visited during the last week of August, and it had fully thawed out. If you are considering visiting this spot anytime before July, I would not recommend it.

You are technically off-trail

This is an off-trail location, so it is paramount you hike responsibly. Yes, it’s popular, but people need to know where they are going and do it safely to ensure they are not injured.

The weather can be chilly

This area is around 6,000 feet above sea level and can be much colder than wherever you drove in from. Make sure to bring an extra layer in case you get cold.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Sunset views at the Pinnacle Glacier Tarn in Mount Rainier National Park