Peshastin Pinnacles — Hike though a magical kingdom of rocky spires
Quick Facts:
Location: Wenatchee River Valley near Leavenworth
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Green Trails Maps: Leavenworth- No. 178
Contact: Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
Notes: Discover Pass required; dogs must be leashed.
Access: From Leavenworth follow US 2 east for 9 miles turning left onto North Dryden Road. Reach trailhead at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park in 0.5 mile.
Good to Know: bird-watching, spring wildflowers, park closed November 1 through March 15.
A longtime favorite haunt among the carabiner crowd, hikers will find the Peshastin Pinnacles much to their liking, too. Several trails weave through these 200-foot high sandstone spires perched on a sun-kissed hillside above the fruited Wenatchee River Valley. When you’re not fixated on the striking outcrops and sculptured slabs surrounding you, peer out over orchards to a backdrop of lofty ridges and snow-capped peaks. In spring the pinnacles are painted with a plethora of pretty blossoms. And there’s always a nice array of avian residents to pique your interest as well.
This little 34.5 acre park packs quite a varied landscape within its tight boundaries. Hike through a gate entering this magical kingdom of rocky spires resembling rows of shark teeth protruding from a golden hillside. From the main access, trails diverge left and right. It really doesn’t matter which direction you choose to explore this sculpted landscape. Walking along the park’s periphery makes for a nice 1.5 mile hike with a 400 foot gain of elevation.
Hike clockwise entering a big dry draw. While the surroundings are dull brown most of the year; from March through May, desert butter cups, avalanche lilies and arrowleaf balsamroot add brilliant touches of gold to these slopes. Staying on the main trail, head up a series of tight switchbacks beside the Grand Central Tower; one of the more prominent of the Pinnacles. Bending east the way then side slopes beneath Sunset Slab. Then head up to a small ridge crest where some lonely pines eke out a living.
Pass by the Dinosaur Tower and hang around a bit to observe falcons and hawks riding thermals above the serrated surroundings. Then hike to the Martian Slab for an out-of-this world view of the countryside! The way then steeply switchbacks downward back to the trailhead gate.
For detailed information on this and other hikes near Wenatchee and Leavenworth, consult my Day Hiking Central Cascades guidebook.
For information on lodging and other attractions near the Peshastin Pinnacles visit nwtripfinder.com
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