Mount Peak (Pinnacle Peak or Mount Pete) is accessible via the Cal Magnusson Trail in Pinnacle Peak Park, located south of Enumclaw. The name originates from a mondegreen of “Mount Pete,” named after Pete Chorak, an early settler in the area. Even though the mountain is only 1801 feet tall, its prominence makes up more than half of its height.
See more trip photos here.
Mount Peak (Pinnacle Peak) at a Glance
Access: Cal Magnusson Trail (PDF map)
Round Trip: 2.1 miles
Elevation Range: 760′-1801′
Gear: none
Route Info: Bob Lindskov
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Hiking Near Enumclaw, Washington
While allowing my left foot to heal, I searched for a quick hike closer to home with a moderate elevation gain. Ultimately, I chose Mount Peak, also known as Pinnacle Peak, located in the South Cascades. I anticipated seeing lots of people out enjoying the beautiful weather today.
I was anxious before the trip, as I was aware that we would encounter many people. Likewise, from experience, I expected to encounter runners and off-leash dogs in since it is a city trail. However, individuals who were less courteous about giving way to traffic going uphill were the most aggravating.
See more trip photos here.
Trails of Pinnacle Peak Park
There are two primary routes to the forested summit: the north and the south. Cal Magnusson Trail is the more frequently traveled of the two trails on the north side. Goat Trail is a more challenging descent. But it is an excellent alternative to encountering a significant amount of pedestrian traffic.
The south route offers a view of Mount Rainier and is less physically demanding as it makes several crossings of the road. If using all trails, the summit is slightly more than 1.5 miles away. The Cal Magnusson Trail, on the other hand, is under a mile long both ways.
See more trip photos here.
Cal Magnusson Trail
The pups and I started out in the north lot at 6:45 AM with a dozen cars. I considered beginning on the southern side; however, the process of reorganizing and rerouting would have been too much work. So I tried to stay upbeat and bit the bullet.
Two regulars were walking up the hill when we passed them on our way up. A short while later, two runners with their unleashed dogs descended. Look here. If your sense of entitlement somehow enables you to let your pets run free, at least yield to uphill traffic as a common courtesy. Be better.
See more trip photos here.
The Final Stretch to the Tower
Annoyingly, after witnessing two more groups of runners letting their dogs run loose, I didn’t wish to return the way we came. Sorry, not sorry, but the greetings do not help smooth over the trail etiquette that was genuinely lacking. It only makes things more awkward.
Since it was only a short hike, I took some time to learn about the old-growth forest. Although it’s been misty up high, but I knew the sun would come out soon. Shortly afterward, we arrived at the stone steps that led to
the lookout tower, where I met another solo hiker.
See more trip photos here.
Mount Peak (Pinnacle Peak) Summit
I chatted with the hiker while waiting for one more couple to come down with their two unleashed dogs. He assured me that it would be much better to return to the car via the less-traveled Goat Trail. He had me at, “But watch out for the steep path.”
Since the weather was slowly improving, we didn’t linger by the tower because more people would likely show up soon. So after a brief visit, we walked a short distance down to the log bench. We then relaxed by the little clearing nearby under a memorial plaque.
See more trip photos here.
Descending via Steep Goat Trail
After taking in the sporadic views to the east, we continued descending on a steep trail to the south. Shortly after, the path led us through several trail forks and around to the west. It then led us to Goat Trail, which avoided Cal Magnusson Trail the whole way down to the parking lot.
Along the way, there were places to look down at the White River Valley. Meanwhile, a few places were nearly vertical, with branches and roots to help with the descent. Before long, the path flattened near the trailhead as we walked a short distance back to the car.
See more trip photos here.