Pinnacle Mountain

Pinnacle Mountain rises to 8,402 feet in the Entiat Mountains, making it one of the higher non-volcanic summits in the Central Cascades. The standard approach follows the North Fork Entiat River Trail, a well-maintained path through old-growth forest and along the river, before turning off-trail toward Emerald Park and the Saska basin. The off-trail section from the basin to the summit is where the real work begins, requiring routefinding through steep, loose terrain.

Most parties tackle Pinnacle as part of a 3-day backpacking trip, camping along the Entiat River or at Emerald Park. The trailhead is reached via the North Fork Entiat River Road, which is rough but passable in a Subaru Crosstrek or similar. Peak-baggers working through the Washington State Top 100 list make this a regular objective, often combining it with nearby Cardinal Peak or other Entiat summits during the same trip.

The 5,722 feet of total elevation gain tells the story: this is a long, sustained effort with a maintained trail giving way to off-trail scrambling. The upper mountain demands route-finding experience, comfort on steep slopes, and possibly some snow travel depending on the season. Views from the summit extend across the Glacier Peak Wilderness and deep into the Entiat Range. The Entiat River Trail and Emerald Park Trail are consistently reported in great condition; the trouble starts above.