Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Craig Romano/The Mountaineers Books Pinnacle LakePinnacle is a delightfully beautiful alpine lake perched in a splendidly rugged basin on a shoulder of Mount Pilchuck. The hike is short, but not so sweet-unless you stop at Bear Lake, which is the kid-friendly part of this trip. The rest is rocky, rooty, muddy, and steep, and if it weren't for the big trees you'd swear you were hiking the Appalachians. But once upon the tarn-tarnished ridge leading up to Pinnacle Lake, you're quickly reminded that this can only be the Northwest.
Driving Directions:
From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 11 miles to the Verlot Public Service Center. Drive 4.6 more miles, turning right onto Forest Road 4020 signed for Boardman Lake, Ashland Lakes, and Bear/Pinnacle lakes. Follow this gravel road for 2.7 miles to a junction. Bear right onto FR 4021 and continue for 3 miles to the trailhead (elev. 2700 ft). Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
Issues:
Mudholes | Water on trail | Bugs
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I picked the worst weather-day of the week but hadn't been out in two so decided to go no matter the...
I picked the worst weather-day of the week but hadn't been out in two so decided to go no matter the conditions. The forecast said it would be improving in the early afternoon but it didn't until after we were heading down. We turned back after reaching Bathtub lakes (4800'), in fog, wind and rain, about a mile from the lookout.
The trail (#703) to Pinnacle lake could use some improvment, starting with the bridge crossing over Bear creek. There are many slippery-when-wet roots on the steepest part of the trail and many muddy ponds, through the flat areas, that need better drainage. The last part of the trail #703, that appears on the map to be just inside the state parks boundary, is a rocky stream going down to the lake outlet. The route from the outlet to Iodine Gulch is around the west side of the lake and up the rocky, brushy, stream of the gulch to a painted rock with "Iodine Gulch" on it. After that high-point at 4763', about a 1000' above Pinnacle Lake, it is downward, contouring around, following yellow marks and eastward-pointing arrows on the large rocks. Those marks definately helped in the dense fog and inclement weather. While we did not get to the lookout on this route, due to bad weather, we did take the standard 3 mile route on the following day, with about 9 others, to put the final top coat of paint on her. It was a brief window of opportunity, but we managed to cover it once the moist clouds dissipated in the afternoon. Trail #700 to the lookout is in good condition with no snow but some wet areas along the route. Wildflowers are decreasing as autumn rushes in to replace summer but great views from inside the lookout await those who venture out in the fall before the shutters are lowered, usually in October. http://www.flickr.com/[…]/ http://www.flickr.com/[…]/ http://www.flickr.com/[…]/ Overnight
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Bugs
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So we decided to go check out Pinnacle Lake for a couple days. The hike up is very short but it is s...
So we decided to go check out Pinnacle Lake for a couple days. The hike up is very short but it is steep and a lot of climbing, but still isnt problem for younger children. We reached the lake in 1 hour 15 minutes and walked to the left of the lake to go camp at a very nice area across the lake. Saw a lot of day hikers arrive at the other end of the lake but no one else camped overnight. Fishing was alright as we caught 6 fish. Very relaxing and calm lake and if you get the chance, go up there! If you want to camp overnight, go to the far end of the lake for a perfect setup.
Also, go swimming as the water might be a little cold, but feels amazing and refreshing! Bugs are at the lake, but no where near as bad as other lakes I have visited this year. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Bugs
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Looking for some solitude on a sunny summer day in our mountains may be a bit unrealistic, but we ca...
Looking for some solitude on a sunny summer day in our mountains may be a bit unrealistic, but we came close with only 7 others and one dog.
Bear Lake, as mentioned in the other reports and guide entry, is an easy and short trail, but this changes enroute to Pinnacle Lake. Although it is no problem to locate under the brush, the roots are ubiquitous and slick, because you've just been through one mud hole or another, and it is steep. Just don't be in a hurry. We scared up a grouse, saw a water ouzel at the lake, and plenty of nearly-adult salamanders in the ponds before Pinnacle. The vernal trail puddles were completely barren of the usual tadpoles, though we saw a lone Cascades frog. Lots of trout of all sizes, thanks to the brave souls who plant this lake still! Day hike
Issues:
Overgrown | Mudholes
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This week we headed out to the Mountain Loop Highway with plans to check out the Bathtub Lakes Basin...
This week we headed out to the Mountain Loop Highway with plans to check out the Bathtub Lakes Basin via Pinnacle Lake. Unfortunately, while we made it to the lake, lingering snow and foggy weather kept us from trudging up Iodine Gulch to what some have called “The Poor Man’s Enchantments.”
This hike is something of a mixed bag. Although it’s short, the trail is more than a little rough, making it challenging for hikers looking for less mileage. At the same time, the route quickly transports the hiker from a logging road to a serene alpine lake in less than three miles. We’d recommend this hike to more experienced hikers who are short on time, or who have their sights set on the Bathtub Lakes Basin. For the full report, check out: http://www.hikingwithmybrot[…]nd-bear-lake-trail-703.html Jer
Pinnacle Lake
— Aug 16, 2011
— TheRN&TheWeim
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Mudholes | Water on trail | Snow on trail | Bugs
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Nice hike to this smallish but very pretty lake. Bugs were OK on the trail. They were out at the lak...
Nice hike to this smallish but very pretty lake. Bugs were OK on the trail. They were out at the lake though. The weather was perfect. The middle part of the trail was very brushy and narrow, requiring one to walk single file. Some big mudholes, big pools of water, and lots of roots. Big snow patches present higher up, but easy enough to navigate and find the trail.
Combine this hike with Bear Lake before you leave. |
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