Upon leaving the trailhead, the trail continues gaining elevation till the Pinnacle-Plummer Saddle. The first half is along a well beaten trail through the forest and brings you to some small run offs from the Pinnacle Glacier and other snow fields. The second half is a mix of a dirt and rock trail, involving a few switchbacks, finally reaching the Pinnacle-Plummer Saddle. At this point the "maintained" trail ends and you must head off to your right and find a defind (in season) and pretty good trail that takes you up Plummer. This last section takes 20 or less minutes and is considered an easy scramble. You may have to cross a small snowfield and continue up a small section of loose rock before reaching the big snowfield. Here you may either climb the rocky trail to your left or ascend directly up the field. Either way, you should meet up again with the trail at the top of the snowfield and tackle the last 100 or so of easy rock/trail scramble to the top.
The summit is a 50ft by 15ft (roughly) patch of rock with excellent views of Rainier to the north, the rest of the Tatoosh range around you, and Mt. Adams, the Goat Rocks Wilderness and other mountains to your south and east.

Also, Pinnacle Peak is easily accessed from the same saddle where the trail ends. Thus, you may want to climb it too. Although it is considered a scramble, it is not as easy as Plummer and involves greater exposure and rock scrambling. SEE Pinnacle Peak Page for MORE INFO!

Essential Gear

This climb does not require any technical gear (could be done in a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers). However, you may want to bring hiking boots and some extra clothes, in case the weather turns for the worst. As always, bring the 10 essetials, especially water. If you have one, an ice axe may be somewhat handy, although by no means required.

During the winter season, different gear may be needed: crampons or snowshoes, warm clothes, and an ice axe, just to name a few. If you choose to do this, make sure you are prepared and aware of what you're doing; it could be more than you bargained for.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.