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- Pinnacle Mountain
8,398 ft · Cascade Range, Washington
Pinnacle Mountain
Pinnacle Mountain is an 8,398 ft peak in the Cascade Range, Washington. The standard route is the South Route via Borealis Pass: 27 mi, 5,300 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Laurel F, CC BY-SA 2.0
Pinnacle Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,398 ft2,559 m
- RouteSouth Route via Borealis PassClass 3
- Distance27 mi5,300 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeCascade RangeWashington
Climbing the South Route via Borealis Pass
From Entiat on US 97A, drive the Entiat River Road to its end at the Entiat River trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. Hike Entiat River Trail 1400 about 6.5 miles, then the Snow Brushy Creek Trail to a fork near 6,080 feet and a faint path to Borealis Pass. Scramble north on the west side of the ridge to the basin under the south slope, climb steep sand and rock to the fin-like crest, and follow its west side to the top (Class 3). Much of the approach is burned and dry. Fill out the free wilderness permit. The Little Giant Fire closure shuts this road and trail through April 2027.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Dry conditions
Quests with Pinnacle Mountain
Washington 100 HighestFrequently asked questions
How tall is Pinnacle Mountain?
Pinnacle Mountain is 8,398 feet (2,559 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Pinnacle Mountain?
The South Route via Borealis Pass is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Pinnacle Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Route via Borealis Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Pinnacle Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Pinnacle Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Route via Borealis Pass, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Pinnacle Mountain?
The usual climbing window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Pinnacle Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list