Where do you go to enjoy fall foliage in Washington? While you’ll find rich, colorful leaves in every county come October, there’s no denying that certain parts of the state are more spectacular in autumn than others. Mount Rainier National Park is especially vibrant and some of its trails are absolutely incredible in the fall. The Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail is a nice, fairly easy day hike that shows off our fall foliage at its finest.
Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail is a pleasant three-mile hike you’ll find in the Cayuse Pass/Steven’s Canyon area.
Trail Shoes / alltrails.com To reach the trailhead, enter Mount Rainier National Park 3.5 miles east of Elbe on State Route 706. After 15 miles, turn right on Stevens Canyon Road. Head to the Reflection Lakes parking area and follow the trail signs.
The hike is short, but the climb is fairly steep.
Natalie C / alltrails.com That being said, the trail is ranked as moderate, so don’t be intimidated if you’re a beginning hiker.
From early October to early November, you’ll be treated to some of the best fall foliage in Washington on this trail.
Jei Lee / alltrails.com The colors typically peak around mid-October. Of course, it can snow in this area early in the season, so be mindful of that.
The steep climbs may be tough, but they’ll lead to some seriously stunning views.
Dalton FitzGerald / alltrails.com Not only will you enjoy incredible mountain views, but the Nisqually River Valley and Paradise will also be visible.
This trail is stunning in any season, but there truly is something special about enjoying it in the autumn.
Karissa Ross / alltrails.com Bring your camera — or break out the smartphone — for these postcard-perfect shots. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Adams in the distance from the peak.
After enjoying the sweeping views, you’ll return to the parking lot the same way you came.
Mark Riegel / alltrails.com Good news: Going downhill is much easier.
If you’ve never explored the Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail, add it to your fall bucket list this year.
Jei Lee / alltrails.com If nothing else, it’s a beautiful excuse to visit Mount Rainier.
Do you prefer to hike in the autumn, when the weather cools off? Here are some other fall hikes in Washington you won’t want to miss.
Trail Shoes / alltrails.com
To reach the trailhead, enter Mount Rainier National Park 3.5 miles east of Elbe on State Route 706. After 15 miles, turn right on Stevens Canyon Road. Head to the Reflection Lakes parking area and follow the trail signs.
Natalie C / alltrails.com
That being said, the trail is ranked as moderate, so don’t be intimidated if you’re a beginning hiker.
Jei Lee / alltrails.com
The colors typically peak around mid-October. Of course, it can snow in this area early in the season, so be mindful of that.
Dalton FitzGerald / alltrails.com
Not only will you enjoy incredible mountain views, but the Nisqually River Valley and Paradise will also be visible.
Karissa Ross / alltrails.com
Bring your camera — or break out the smartphone — for these postcard-perfect shots. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Adams in the distance from the peak.
Mark Riegel / alltrails.com
Good news: Going downhill is much easier.
If nothing else, it’s a beautiful excuse to visit Mount Rainier.
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