Traveling While Black: Hiking at Pinnacle Peak
Welcome back to another blog for our first hiking series of 2024. If you saw our last blogs on our hiking series, we checked out two easy hikes: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Spring Lake/Lake Desire Park.
For the next and final hiking recommendation, we are hiking Pinnacle Peak. But here’s the deal… if you were to search “Pinnacle Peak”, you may be somewhat confused because the search would return three possible options just within the state of Washington alone.
Tatoosh Range
North Cascades
King County
For his hike, we are hiking the Pinnacle Peak in… King County! This Pinnacle Peak is located 25 miles north of Mount Rainier. Ironically the confusion with this Pinnacle Peak could have been avoided if it wasn’t for a flame that use to burn at the top of the original lookout. Because, the name of this summit was originally referred to as Mount Pete, in honor of a Yugoslavian immigrant who settled in in the area in the early 1900s. But throughout the years the name Pete got misconstrued as "Peak", hence the newer name, Mount Peak. Ironic because look we know something about misconstruing names … Okanogan….Vashon….Willamette….
While the name Pinnacle Peak was given due to the fire lookout at the top; we’re just saying if Mount Pete stuck then there would be no need for a third name. Nevertheless, this Mount Peak is forest covered and offers hikers two options in order to reach the payoff.
The two trails offered by Mount Pete, or Mount Peak, or the King County Pinnacle Peak, are The Cal Magnusson trail, and the simply named South Trail. The South Trail sounded like Marlie’s type of trail - a gravel road with a gentle grade that gradually leads up elevation. But because the South Trail is multi use for hikers and bikers, or possibly because Anthony miss-read the research; we amazingly chose to hike the Cal Magnusson Trail, the trail that takes hikers a whole 1000 feet in just one mile through thick forest.
Drive Grade
The drive to get to this hike took a little longer than the other two hikes, being that it was about 1 hour 5 minutes from Seattle. Although the hour may have been due to our GPS taking us around the south bound traffic that we would have been gridlocked in.
The drive didn’t offer many spectacular views and with the length of the drive, it was not that exciting. This trip did have a positive, and one that reminded us of an important tip to mention when hiking… bringing snacks.
This route was not just perfect for snacks, but way more. On the way, you can stop in the South Park neighborhood. We did and grabbed some food at Uncle Eddie’s; and then some coffee from our friends at The Scene coffee; a Black owned coffee shop.
The accessibility to the good food, great coffee, and snack options definitely added to the trip. In regard to parking at the trailhead, there weren’t a lot of spots, but we were able to get lucky. You can also park along the street too. One plus, the parking is free.
As for our Drive Grade Rating, we give a 4 outta 5.
Level of Fun
Prior to embarking on the hike, we were really excited because we heard that the payoff was guaranteed to be the best of the three recommended hikes regardless of the weather. Not exactly knowing what we were getting ourselves into, we ventured into the park. But not long after we got hip to that fact that this particular trail was going to be something different. From the beginning to the end the trail led us uphill.
We hiked, and hiked, and hiked, and hiked... We passed what looked to be variety of skilled hikers. We can say the surroundings were beautiful. While that didn’t make the trek any easier, it did make it bare able. It was also cool to see the steps that formerly supported the lookout. Also the basalt outcroppings formed by the rapid cooling of lava.
Marlie wanted to turn around a couple of times, because she was triggered by one of her pet peeves. Which is when you’re passing people on a trail and they tell you, “You’re almost there” or “You’re halfway there” BUT you still have forever to go.
Based on our experience and “scientific” research, we’ve determined that “You’re halfway there” equates to 45 minutes left and “You’re almost there” equates to 40 minutes of hike left.
Anthony continued to encourage Marlie to finish the hike, which was beneficial because after an hour and 22 minutes, we eventually made it to the payoff at the summit lookout.
Walking up the observation deck definitely offered some great views. We even enjoyed the views from just sitting on the log benches.
The hard work was definitely worth it. Plus we felt really accomplished conquering such a challenging (for us) hike.
Other important points worth mentioning about the trail are:
While the path is dirt, there are concrete steps in places throughout on some of the steepest points.
The Dirt Trail can very easily turn into mud; which was the case in some areas on the day of our hike.
Dogs are welcomed on the trail, but must be on leash.
Overall we really enjoyed our experience at Mount Pete, or Mount Peak, or the King County Pinnacle Peak. And we can definitely recommend you giving it a try. Remember that if you’re looking for a less rigorous hike up the peak, you can take the South trail.
For our experience at Mount Peak via The Cal Magnusson trail we give a 5 outta 5 for Level of Fun.
Comfortability for Black People
Once again these episodes where we are in nature are going to be high on the comfort rating. Big reason why? Come on say it with us…
NATURE LOVES BLACK PEOPLE!
And for this experience, along with the nature once again we encountered some friendly people on the trail. Outside of walking up 1000 feet of elevation, we were really comfortable. And with this being the last episode of this hiking series for the year, we want to remind you to get outside and enjoy the nature. Remember, studies show that being in the outdoors can have tremendous mental health benefits.
While this hiking series is ending the best time of year for hiking is just starting. Hopefully we see you out on the trails this spring, summer, and fall.
For this experience at Mount Peak we give give a 5 outta 5 for Comfortability for Black People.